ITV has shelved plans to bring back The X Factor, with insiders saying there is no appetite for a return in the near future. The show, which ran for 14 years until 2018, will not be rebooted within the next few years.
No appetite for a return
Production company TalkbackThames had been pushing for a comeback, including a role for former head judge Simon Cowell. However, insiders say the time is not right.
One source said Cowell has consistently made clear he is "incredibly keen" to bring the show back, and that it would almost certainly happen one day, but not yet.
"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," they explained.
Reasons for the delay
The proposed £1.6bn sale of ITV's broadcasting business to Sky could be a factor. The deal, which aims to help ITV compete with global streaming platforms, is not expected to be finalised until the end of next year and may be delayed as the government considers intervention.
In its heyday, The X Factor attracted Saturday night audiences of more than 19 million viewers and launched the careers of Little Mix, One Direction, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Olly Murs and JLS.
ITV has struggled with some Saturday night shows recently, with The Voice pulling in its lowest ever ratings of 1.5 million. One insider noted that "the days of these types of shows getting tens of millions of viewers are long gone" and that the duty of care process would need a thorough overhaul.
Future possibilities
ITV entertainment boss Kevin Lygo said at the Edinburgh TV Festival this summer that the network must take risks with new shows. "We're in a very good position with entertainment with I'm A Celebrity and Britain's Got Talent and The Masked Singer and so on, we must take risks with new shows," he declared.
ITV has rebooted shows before, including Bullseye, Big Brother and Wheel of Fortune. A plan to revive Hell's Kitchen is going ahead after a 17-year break, with former host Claudia Winkleman back in the frame to present it.
ITV and Talkback Thames declined to comment on The X Factor's return.
