The X Factor ‘is set to return with fresher panel in bid to boost ITV’s ratings’ seven years after it was shelved

The X Factor is reportedly set to return, seven years after it was retired from screens. 

According to sources, ITV is said to be in talks with production company Talkback Thames about bringing the singing competition back in a bid to boost viewing figures. 

The X Factor pulled in 19million viewers during its heyday and saw contestants such as Leona Lewis and One Direction become household names. 

After 15 series, it was shelved by ITV and went on to have two spin-off series X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band. 

It is thought head judge Simon Cowell is likely to return in some sort of capacity. 

Insiders claim the broadcaster is keen on bringing it back with a revamp after new shows The Neighbourhood and The Fortune Hotel were panned. 

It is thought head judge Simon Cowell is likely to return in some sort of capacity

A source told 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.

‘ITV 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. 

‘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.’

The Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment.  

Earlier this year it was reported Simon had signed up for a new X Factor documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage. 

Sky has described the untitled show as a ‘definitive documentary series exploring the era-defining entertainment juggernaut’. 

The X Factor was presented by Kate Thornton, Dermot O’Leary, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs over the years. 

Simon was joined on the judging panel with a number of famous faces including Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl, Gary Barlow and Tulisa.

The X Factor pulled in 19million viewers during its heyday and saw contestants such as Leona Lewis and One Direction become household names

Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson also joined him at some point over the years. 

The contestants who took part were put into one of four groups – the boys, girls, over-25s and groups. 

And they were also mentored by a number of celebrities including Simon, Sharon, Louis, Cheryl, Dannii and Nicole. 

The show became a huge fan favourite and there have been a number of huge success stories from the singing show, which saw singers audition at the start of the series to try and make it to the live shows, which aired on a Saturday night. 

They include Olly Murs, Little Mix, One Direction, JLS, Leona Lewis and James Arthur.