The X Factor is set to be revived on Channel 5, we can reveal.
Simon Cowell has struck a big-money deal with the network.
It means the new series will be the first in its history that hasn’t been shown on ITV.
READ MORE: X Factor's Grace Davies reveals she and Rak-Su 'fought' with bosses on show
A TV insider said: “As soon as X-Factor was up for grabs, there was interest from a number of the networks.
“X-Factor is one of the most iconic shows in TV history, so it’s no surprise lots of channels were keen. The production company had their pick.
“After a lot of meetings, execs decided to go with Channel 5.”
The X Factor moving to Channel 5 is set to mark a new era for the singing contest.
Producers want it to be “a fresh start” for the format.
Our insider added: “This is the start of a new chapter for X Factor. Moving to a new channel gives the creative team a chance to completely revamp the format and do something different.”
Bosses at Channel 5 are said to be “thrilled” to have bagged the series.
A source said: “There’s a good chance it will become Channel 5’s most-watched show.”
Production on the new run is due to start later this year. It is likely to air at the end of 2023.
The exciting news comes just weeks after we revealed the popular talent show will be returning to screens in 2023 – five years since it last aired on screens.
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
At the time, an industry source said: “It has been decided that the time is right to bring X Factor back. It’s really exciting. Everyone who will be working on the new series can’t wait to get started.”
Our source added: “Things are in the early stages at the moment. But the wheels are definitely in motion. It is hoped that production will begin at the end of the year.”
Simon plans to take the show back to basics and the mogul wants the new series to be similar to its early days.
An insider said: “Producers want to recapture the magic the show had when it was first on TV.
“The focus will all be on the competition element of the show, rather than the razzle-dazzle.”
X Factor’s original run ran for 15 series between 2004 and 2018 before two spin-off series aired in 2019.
At its peak, it pulled in 19million viewers and turned acts including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd and Little Mix into global stars.
READ NEXT:
- The X Factor star Alexandra Burke gives birth as she shares cute pic of first child
- Simon Cowell 'broke pact' with Sinitta as she declares she 'wanted to be with him'
- Megan McKenna says it's been 'hard' to be accepted after The X Factor success
Source: Read Full Article
