Brand new ITV show to rival X Factor is ‘in the works’-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

ITV is reportedly in the early stages of developing a new X Factor style show (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock)

ITV is developing a new singing reality TV show to fill the void left by The X Factor.

The broadcaster is in ‘the early stages’ of producing a version of hit French-Canadian competition programme Zenith, Metro understands.

First launched in 2023, the format sees well-known artists from different generations compete in front of an audience of 100 people who act as judges.

In the stands, the judges/audience are divided into four generations- generation Z, generation Y, generation X and boomers – each represented by a star captain who will explain their vote.

Every week, the singers will perform popular hits that span across the decades in order to appeal to as many generations as possible before they are whittled down to one performer per generation.

Those four will then go head to head in the grand finale where only one winner will be crowned in the ultimate generation war.

They are said to be working on a UK version of Zenith (Picture: KOTV)

Deadline first reported that a UK version of Zenith was currently in the works with The Masked Singer UK producer Bandicoot.

The X Factor – which saw a number of rotating stars on the judging panel including Robbie Williams, Cheryl and Gary Barlow – was scrapped by ITV in July 2021.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘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.

At its peak, the Simon Cowell created programme delivered some iconic moments from Beyonce performing with Alexandra Burke, the birth of One Direction, and who can forget about Jedward.

The show pits singers of different generations against each other (Picture: KOTV)

They are judged by an audience divided into groups from four different generations (Picture: KOTV)

The final edition of X Factor aired in 2018 – marking 14 consecutive years on air – before two spin-off series in 2019.

However, since the end of the juggernaut show, many of its contestants have come forward and claimed it lacked robust duty of care measures.

Simon previously revealed on The Morning how he would revamp The X Factor if it were to be rebooted.

He said: ‘I have a lot of questions we have talked about [and one is] what would you do differently today? And there’s a lot I’ve learnt to be honest with you.

‘And one of the things is that it started to become a bit of a machine. You put a record out that year and you move one. That’s not the way to do it.

Over the years, there have been rumours of an X Factor reboot (Picture: Tuttle/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock)

‘When you throw someone into the limelight, it’s hard. So, to be continued.’

Former contestant Chico Slimani was among those who previously hit out at the show, claiming bosses are only interested in making ‘money’ from its stars.

Speaking on Late Night with Cristo on talkRADIO in 2021, Chico said: ‘It gave me the chance to earn a good living, I’ve been around the country entertaining the masses, so much has come from that.

‘I can’t complain because I again, I knew what it was, they use you, or abuse you, and you use that platform to go on.’

A spokesperson for The X Factor previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘Duty of care to our contestants is of the utmost importance to us. We take welfare very seriously and have measures in place to ensure that they are supported.’

Metro has contacted ITV for comment.

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