A rumoured reboot of an iconic ITV show after nearly a decade has reportedly been scrapped.
The X Factor reboot has reportedly been scrapped after months of talks.
Plans for the return of Simon Cowell’s hit talent show after 8 years have been shelved, despite earlier reports suggesting a comeback was in the works.
Reboot of ITV's X Factor after 8 years reportedly axed
An insider told the Mirror: "They are always pitching it.
"It’s safe to say that everyone is well aware of Simon’s desire to bring it back – he’s incredibly keen.
"But right now, the time is not right.
"It is maybe one for further down the line.
"They’ve pushed for it to return since the moment it ended.
"But it hasn’t been long enough so it won’t be happening any time soon."
ITV has been contacted for comment.
The X Factor originally aired from 2004 to 2018 and helped launch the careers of stars including Little Mix, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs, and Alexandra Burke.
In 2019, the format returned briefly with a celebrity version, won by former Towie star Megan McKenna.
Judges on the show included Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, and Nicole Scherzinger, while Dermot O’Leary served as the host.
The rights to The X Factor are owned by Simon Cowell and distribution company Fremantle, which runs Talkback Thames.
Cowell has recently signed on for a Sky documentary about the show, produced by 72 Films and featuring contributions from former judges, including Cheryl Tweedy.
The documentary is expected to air next year.
ITV series to return after 17 years
In other TV news, another major ITV show is due to return to the network.
Hell’s Kitchen is returning to UK television screens after 17 years.
The cooking competition originally aired from 2004 to 2009 and will make its comeback on ITV.
Claudia Winkleman, who hosted the fourth and final series in 2009, will return as presenter.
A source told The Sun: "This is a major coup for ITV and everyone is very excited.
"Claudia was exceptional on Hell’s Kitchen back in the Noughties and is absolutely still the right person for the job."
The show puts aspiring chefs through a series of intense culinary challenges, with Ramsay ultimately crowning a winner.
Ramsay previously hinted that the series could return.
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He told The Sun previously: "I can tell you exclusively, I think we’re gonna come back to the UK with Hell’s Kitchen live next year.
"And it’s about time, because everywhere I go across the UK it’s, 'Please bring it back.'
"So we’re talking now with ITV to bring it back. And fingers crossed, we’ll have something exciting to keep you updated on."
What ITV show would you like to see return? Let us know in the comments.
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