The X Factor set to finally return after 7 years, reports

The talent show, fronted by Simon Cowell, created some of the biggest music stars, including One Direction, Little Mix, Leona Lewis, and Alexandra Burke.

Originally, The X Factor ran for 15 series from 2004 until 2018, before airing two spin-off series in 2019 with X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band.

At its peak, the ITV show brought in 19 million viewers and became one of the UK’s most talked-about shows.

Now reports suggest that ITV are looking to bring Cowell’s singing competition back but with a new look.

The X Factor to return after 7 years, reports

ITV bosses and production company Talkback Thames have reportedly been in talks to bring back The X Factor, according to The Sun.

The show would have younger judges to appeal to a social media generation; however, it’s said that Cowell would still return in some capacity.

Discussing the show’s potential return, a source told The Sun, “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.”

Back in May, Cowell was asked if he would like to see The X Factor return while appearing on the Tales from the Celebrity Trenches podcast, “Yeah, we talk about it a lot. Do you bring it back as X Factor or do you bring it back as the Z Factor?

“There’s still no question, the power of TV in terms of getting people to know an artist. It’s so important if you’re not writing your own material.

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“The truth is there’s something about being on a big screen. You hear about these artists who break online, but so rarely.

“Truth is, I guess, thank God, people like being on TV.”

Newsquest has contacted ITV for a comment.

Would you like to see The X Factor return? Let us know in the comments.