The X Factor will not return this year as Simon Cowell ‘rests ITV series for 12 months’ – The Sun

THE X Factor is being rested for 12 months as Simon Cowell ponders changes to the ITV series, The Sun can reveal.

The singing show, which has been a fixture on ITV for 16 years, will return in 2021.

It comes after Simon signed a new deal to air Britain’s Got Talent until 2024, which included a 2020 version of X Factor.

But sources say the music mogul now wants to rest it to see if there is any life in the old format before trying to bring it back.

A TV insider 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.”

Simon attempted to revamp the format last year by introducing two new versions, X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band.

But neither mini-series managed to halt the ratings’ slide.

The X Factor launched the careers of chart superstars One Direction, Olly Murs, JLS, James Arthur and Leona Lewis.

But in the recent years  show winners has struggled to achieve the same impact, both in the charts and with television audiences.

Just over 7 million viewers tuned in to watch Dalton Harris crowned 2018 winner, compared to the 17.7milliom who watched Matt Cardle win the competition back in 2010.

A spokesman for Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor said: “Plans for this autumn are still being finalised and will be announced in due course. We are currently filming Britain’s Got Talent 2020.”

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