X Factor scrapped by ITV after 17 years with ‘no plans’ to return

The X Factor won’t be returning anytime soon (Picture: ITV)

The X Factor has been a staple of British TV for 17 years but ITV has now decided to scrap the talent show, with ‘no plans’ of it returning anytime soon.

The series, which was created by Simon Cowell and began in 2004, hasn’t aired since 2018.

ITV has now confirmed in a statement: ‘There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.’

A source added that the show might not be gone forever, but it will be on the backburner for at least five years.

They told The Sun: ‘Globally, it is still a phenomenon and rakes in millions every year. But in the UK, there is no question it has become slightly stale.

‘Simon remains at the top of his game and knows how to make a hit. He owns the rights to the show, and it’s his call — not ITV’s — whether or not he drops it.

‘Clearly the last thing he wants is for X Factor to fizzle out with a whimper and become a bit of a joke — especially in contrast to the show in its pomp.

Simon Cowell’s talent show first aired in 2004 (Picture: FilmMagic)

‘It is still on the back-burner and there’s the option to return it in 2023, with auditions next summer, but a lot will ride on his new format Walk The Line.’

ITV recently announced music mogul Simon’s new venture, wild new series Walk The Line, which will see contestants compete for a chance to win a ‘life-changing’ cash prize.

Amid the cancellation of Britain’s Got Talent 2021, Walk The Line will see musical acts – including soloists, duos, bands and choirs – perform for the nation and a panel of judges, including Simon.

Over the years, the X Factor discovered some of the world’s best-loved musical talent, including One Direction and Little Mix.

More: Simon Cowell

At its peak, the show could score 12million followers with some of its iconic moments going down in TV history – Beyonce performing with Alexandra Burke, One Direction’s solo auditions and the band being formed, and anything Jedward ever did.

However, in recent years, the series suffered dwindling viewership.

Walk The Line is set to air on ITV later this year.

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