The X Factor is reportedly set to return to British television, with ITV planning a revival as early as next year, almost seven years after the original series ended. The singing competition, which launched in 2004, ran for 15 years before its final regular series aired in 2018, followed by a celebrity edition in 2019.
During its run, the show became known for turning aspiring singers into household names, with judges including Simon Cowell, Cheryl, Louis Walsh, and Sharon Osbourne. It also launched the careers of artists such as Leona Lewis, One Direction, and Little Mix.
Declining ratings and a possible modern makeover
At its peak, The X Factor attracted audiences of almost 20 million viewers, making it one of ITV's biggest programmes. However, viewing figures had fallen considerably by the end of its run, with the 2019 celebrity version struggling to attract more than three million viewers, contributing to the decision to end the franchise.
Now TV bosses are said to be considering a revival, according to The Mirror. In a major shake-up, 66-year-old Cowell may have a reduced role, with a younger generation of music industry experts reportedly being lined up for the judging panel. The network is reportedly keen to secure another major hit after investing millions in new formats, including Graham Norton's The Neighbourhood and Stephen Mangan's The Fortune Hotel, both of which underperformed.
Source hints at fresh panel and social media focus
Speaking to The Sun, a source revealed that ITV could modernise the format rather than continue investing in brand-new shows. They said: "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 source added: "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."
Production talks and Cowell's previous comments
The source also claimed that production company Talkback Thames has been in discussions with ITV executives about a potential revival, with those involved reportedly keen to see the format return to its former success.
Cowell has previously spoken positively about the possibility of bringing The X Factor back to British TV. While the UK version has been off air for several years, the show currently exists in a number of European countries, including Malta and Hungary. He told 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. 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."
ITV has previously found success in bringing back familiar TV shows after a period away from screens. Big Brother returned to the broadcaster in 2023, five years after Channel 5 had axed the reality show. Its comeback initially proved popular, with the revived series recording its best ratings in a decade and attracting more than 2.5 million viewers when broadcast on ITV2. However, the audience had fallen below one million by the time the 2025 series aired. The reality show is now due to return next month for its fourth season under ITV, taking the overall number of series since its original launch in 2000 to 23.
