X Factor reboot shelved by ITV as timing deemed not right

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 12:22 · Archive

Plans for a reboot of Simon Cowell's X Factor talent show after eight years off air have been shelved by ITV.

Plans for a reboot of Simon Cowell's X Factor have been shelved by ITV after months of talks. The talent show has been off air for eight years, having originally run from 2004 to 2018. An insider told the Mirror that although Cowell remains 'incredibly keen' to bring back the show, the timing is not yet right. 'It hasn't been long enough so it won't be happening any time soon,' the source said, adding that 'it is maybe one for further down the line'.

The X Factor helped launch the careers of stars including Little Mix, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs and Alexandra Burke. In 2019, the format returned briefly with a celebrity version won by former Towie star Megan McKenna. The rights to The X Factor are owned by Cowell and distribution company Fremantle. Cowell has signed on for a Sky documentary about the show, expected to air next year, which will feature contributions from former judges including Cheryl Tweedy.

How it is being reported

• Reboot of popular ITV series after 8 years is axed as 'time is not right'Simon Cowell's X Factor reboot has reportedly been shelved by ITV, with the show having been off air for nearly a decade.Oxford Mail · 4 Nov, 11:41
• Reboot of popular ITV series after 8 years is axed as 'time is not right'Simon Cowell's X Factor reboot has reportedly been shelved by ITV, with the show having been off air for nearly a decade.Oxfordshire Guardian · 4 Nov, 11:41

In this story: Simon Cowell · ITV · X Factor · Little Mix · Leona Lewis · Fremantle · Sky

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