ITV axe plans to reboot The X Factor

Following an eight-year absence, reports were rife earlier this year that ITV/STV bosses had plans to reboot iconic Saturday night talent show The X Factor in 2027, with Simon Cowell supposedly on board.

Despite The Sun claiming that ITV/STV were keen to explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Simon behind the scenes, The Mirror are now reporting all plans have been scrapped.

A source told the publication: “They are always pitching it. It’s safe to say that everyone is well aware of Simon’s desire to bring it back - he’s incredibly keen. But right now, the time is not right.

“It is maybe one for further down the line. They’ve pushed for it to return since the moment it ended.

"But it hasn’t been long enough so it won’t be happening any time soon."

It was back in September when news emerged that The X Factor could be returning, with a source telling The Sun: “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."

Rumours heated up even further when the official X Factor social media accounts updated their profile picture and started re-sharing old content.

As fans will know, after launching way back in 2004, The X Factor quickly became one of the most-watched and most-loved entertainment shows around, creating megastars like One Direction, James Arthur, Little Mix and Olly Murs.

Following a number of panel changes over the years, the main show last aired in 2018, eventually ending completely after spin-off shows The X Factor: Celebrity and The X Factor: The Band.

Although Simon has hinted he'd been keen to bring back the show in the future, it sounds like it won't be anytime soon! 😭

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.