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ITV is set to enter talks to revive The X Factor after seven years with younger judges and Cowell behind the scenes

ITV and Talkback Thames are in discussions about reviving the show, with Simon Cowell expected to take a behind-the-scenes role rather than appear as a judge.
ITV and Talkback Thames are in discussions about reviving the show, with Simon Cowell expected to take a behind-the-scenes role rather than appear as a judge.

ITV is reportedly preparing to enter talks with Talkback Thames over a potential revival of The X Factor, roughly seven years on from the singing show's 2019 cancellation. The broadcaster is said to want a revamped format with a younger judging panel designed to connect with the social media generation. The push is expected to come after expensive failures including Graham Norton's The Neighbourhood and Stephen Mangan's The Fortune Hotel, both of which performed poorly.

At its peak The X Factor attracted audiences of close to 20 million and is credited as the springboard for the careers of One Direction, Leona Lewis and Little Mix.

'ITV can't afford another disaster after the car crash of The Neighbourhood, which was colossally expensive and failed terribly,' a source said.

Simon Cowell is expected to work behind the scenes on the revamped show rather than return as head judge.

MoreMetroThe X Factor to return after 7 years 'with fresh new judging panel'Daily MailThe X Factor 'is set to return' seven years after it was shelvedAOL News UKThe X Factor 'set for comeback after 8 years with a twist'The SunThe X Factor set for bombshell TV return after seven years as ITV chiefs plot revamped format with younger judgesTV Zone UKITV 'IN TALKS TO REVIVE THE X FACTOR' AFTER SEVEN YEARS OFF-SCREEN TO BOOST ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE - TV Zone UKThe News International'The X Factor' could return with fresh judging panel - The News International
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