The X Factor may never return to screens following an announcement that it would be taken off the air for 12 months, a top ITV boss has warned.
Despite the show appearing on screens every winter for 16 years and catapulting the likes of Leona Lewis, One Direction and Cher Lloyd to international stardom, viewer figures began to decline.
The news comes after music mogul Simon Cowell reportedly signed a deal to air Britain’s Got Talent until 2024, including a 2020 version of The X Factor.
Now, it appears that the future of the singing competition is in jeopardy with the decision to revive it lying in the hands of Syco boss Simon.
The decision to revive The X Factor lies in the hands of Simon Cowell (Image: ITV)
Kevin Lygo, Head of Television at the broadcasting company said: “It’s [X Factor] not definitely returning, it might return, and if it does the format will tweak.
“I think people always talk about format changes. I know it was the most successful entertainment show for decades.
ITV top boss Kevin Lygo has hinted that the show might never return (Image: Getty Images)
“And you need to be wary of changes, we all think there were too many changes towards the end of the run, but I’m sure X Factor will be back at some stage and it’s really: ‘when is the right moment’.”
Lygo went on to say: “Simon controls it more than we do. When does he want it to come back, how does he want to come back? Hopefully, we can be part of it.”
Ratings have declined over recent years on the show which saw Louis Tomlinson become a judge years after competing in the competition (Image: Thames/Syco)
However, insiders claim that Simon wants to rest and see if the once hugely popular Saturday night programme can go on to achieve what it was once.
Speaking to The Sun, a mole said: “Simon wants to really think through the show and how to reinvigorate it for the future.
“Although The X Factor is contracted for one more series, ITV totally understand the rationale behind the idea of resting it this year and want to give Simon and the team the time to do what they feel is right.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
