It has been revealed that the hit reality show X Factor is set to make a comeback. Simon Cowell is said to be planning the show's return to TV screens in 2023, which would be five years since it last aired.
An industry source has told the Daily Star : "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."
They have revealed that Simon has hit a big-money deal after secret talks with a production company. He is also due to meet TV channel bosses over the next few months.
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With that in mind, there is no guarantee that the show will air on ITV like the show used to. The 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."
In his plans for the show, Simon is set to go back to basics. That means the show will be very similar to what it was like in its early days.
An insider has 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."
The original series of the show had 15 series between 2004 and 2018. The show then had two spin-off series that aired back in 2019.
During its peak, the show pulled in 19million viewers and has helped launch the careers of some of this country's most successful artists. They include One Direction, Olly Murs, Little Mix, JLS and Leona Lewis.
Last year, the show was axed as production was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sources told The Sun that the show was "unlikely" to ever return to screens in the UK.
However, the source did add that Simon owns the rights to the show and it is always down to him, not ITV. Five years after the last show, 2023 could be the perfect time to bring the show back and take it back to basics.
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