Simon Cowell is set to revive the X Factor after securing a "big-money deal."
The singing competition was axed from ITV five years ago due to low ratings but there are reports that a huge comeback is currently in the works. According to the Daily Star, an industry source said: “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.
"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." Set for a big shake-up, the source added Simon Cowell wants to take the show back to its roots and return to a more competition-focused programme instead of the "razzle-dazzle" of later years.
READ MORE: ITV X Factor's Wagner quits UK for new career so he can 'die in peace'
Simon Cowell acts as the show's head producer and was a regular on the judging panel for the majority of the series, only being swapped out for Take That's Gary Barlow from 2011 - 2013. He is reportedly in talks with a production company and bosses at a string of channels which means X Factor may not return to ITV if it is picked up again
The source added: "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. 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."
The show ran for 15 series between 2004 - 2018 and birthed global superstars including One Direction and Little Mix. Despite the show getting the chop, two spin-offs aired in 2019 - The X Factor: Celebrity and The X Factor: The Band.
Love Island fans thrilled as Ekin-Su utters three words to Jay
Love Island fans 'work out' why Gemma Owen is getting less air time
Lorraine Kelly mortified as she makes disastrous toilet admission on Gogglebox
Carol Vorderman sends Boris Johnson four word message after by-election humiliation
Paul McCartney's one request for Glastonbury bosses
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
