The X Factor set for TV return with major revamp
It last aired in 2018
It's responsible for the likes of One Direction, James Arthur, Little Mix and Leona Lewis, but ITV/STV entertainment show The X Factor came to an end back in 2018, when Dalton Harris was crowned the final winner of the talent show.
However, after an eight year absence, ITV bosses are now reportedly in talks with production company Talkback Thames to reboot the series.
A source told The Sun: A source said: “ITV have a giant gaping hole that needs filling in its entertainment schedule, particularly over weekends when bigger viewing figures are up for grabs.
“They can’t afford another disaster after the car crash of The Neighbourhood, which was colossally expensive and failed terribly.
“Rather than creating more flop formats they have the opportunity to give The X Factor, a sure-fire hit, a modern makeover."
However, it sounds like former judges such as Simon Cowell, Cheryl Tweedy, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh won't be returning, with bosses reportedly planning to 'freshen up' the show with younger stars.
The source added: “They can explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Cowell behind the scenes. The plan is for the show’s return to take on a new life and be updated to envelop social media generation.
“ITV has shown with programmes like Love Island and I’m A Celebrity . . . that social media is where they can inject massive viewing figures.
“The X Factor was one of the most iconic shows in TV history and created dozens of stars and household names who are still riding high today.
“Executives at Talkback Thames have had discussions with ITV chiefs about a comeback and they are super-keen for it.”
Having aired for 17 years since 2004, The X Factor became a staple of British television, with Simon Cowell at the helm and various music moguls taking to the judging panel over the years.
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However, the final series aired in 2018, and after spin-off shows The X Factor: Celebrity and The X Factor: The Band, ITV/STV announced plans to axe the series.
Speaking to OK! Magazine back in 2024, Simon did hint he'd love for the show to return, saying: "I'm not sure when but it'd be great to have it back.
“I think it would be taken back to basics. When we first started, it was pretty uncomplicated, but over the years, too many elements were added; it lost its identity somewhere. Yes, you might hear some people say they were unhappy or thought they might sell more records, but I am proud of how many people got a start after being on the show."
At this stage, ITV/STV are yet to announce any official plans to bring the show back to our screens.
Check out all of The X Factor's winners' singles below:
2004: Steve Brookstein - 'Against All Odds' (Over 25s)
Steve Brookstein's winning single debuted at Number 2 in the UK charts behind Band Aid 20's 'Do They Know It's Christmas', the following week it went to Number 1.
2005: Shayne Ward - 'That's My Goal' (16–24s)
Shayne Ward was the second winner of the competition and released an original song - whereas most winners released the covers. 'That's My Goal' became the fastest-selling song of 2005!
2006: Leona Lewis - 'A Moment Like This' (16–24s)
According to reports, 1 million copies of the single were pre-ordered by stores and it was downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes of being available online! It reached Number 1 in both the UK singles and download charts.
2007: Leon Jackson - 'When You Believe' (Boys)
The single was another successful winners' single getting to Number 1 in the UK and becoming a Christmas Number 1.
2008: Alexandra Burke - 'Hallelujah' (Girls)
Alexandra's 'Hallelujah' became a Christmas Number 1 for the fifth X Factor winner.
2009: Joe McElderry - 'The Climb' (Boys)
After winning the competition, Joe McElderry's version of 'The Climb' went to Number 1 in the UK. The song was a cover of the Miley Cyrus song which was also released in the same year and featured in Hannah Montana: The Movie.
2010: Matt Cardle - 'When We Collide' (Boys)
Matt Cardle won the seventh series of The X Factor and released his cover of 'When We Collide' (original title - 'Many of Horror'). The song reached Number 1 in the UK and became the second bestselling single of 2010.
2011: Little Mix - 'Cannonball' (Groups)
They might be releasing Number 1 songs here, there and everywhere, but back in 2011 Little Mix won The X Factor and released 'Cannonball'. Unlike past winner's singles, the song wasn't released during the week of the popular Christmas Number 1 battle. The song debuted at Number 1 becoming the fastest-selling single of the year.
2012: James Arthur - 'Impossible' (Boys)
James Arthur's cover of 'Impossible' was released immediately after he won the ninth series of The X Factor. The single became the fastest-selling winning single from The X Factor!
2013: Sam Bailey - 'Skyscraper' (Over 25s)
'Skyscraper', originally sung by Demi Lovato was released by 2013's X Factor winner, Sam Bailey. The song became a Christmas Number 1 with all proceeds from the single going to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.
2014: Ben Haenow - 'Something I Need' (Over 25s)
Once again The X Factor winner hit the top spot for Christmas in 2014.
2015: Louisa Johnson - 'Forever Young' (Girls)
Louisa Johnson released her version of 'Forever Young' however, unlike many of the previous winners' singles it didn't make the top spot, only reaching Number 9 in the UK.
2016: Matt Terry - 'When Christmas Comes Around' (Boys)
Written by none-other than Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, 'When Christmas Comes Around' was The X Factor's second ever original song to be released as the winner's single. It debuted at Number 3 in the UK.
2017: Rak-Su - 'Dimelo' (Groups)
'Dimelo' was yet another original single to be released as an X Factor winners' single. It reached Number 2 in the UK, being kept off the top spot by Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect'.