Nearly five years after The X Factor UK‘s last series, the show is ready to return to tv on Channel 5. Reports state that Simon Cowell has signed a deal for the show to return in 2023.
The X Factor UK is Reportedly Set to End Hiatus
The X Factor UK may be finally returning to television after its hiatus. Rumors have circulated that this show recently gained interest from several cable networks. Eventually, Simon Cowell decided to sign a deal to bring the reality compeition back to television on Channel 5. If reports of The X Factor UK‘s revival are true, this will be its first history on a network other than iTV.
Even though The X Factor UK‘s return hasn’t confirmed just yet, an Insider revealed some key details about the show. In its renewal, producers want it to be “a fresh start.”
“This is the start of a new chapter for X Factor. Moving to a new channel gives the creative team a chance to completely revamp the format and do something different,” the Insider said.
The same source acknowledged that Channel 5 is thrilled to have the show, expecting it to become their most-watched show. Production begins later this year, so fans should anticipate the season to air near the end of 2023.
Reports state that Cowell plans to bring the show back to the basics, creating a similar style to the show’s early days. The network plans to focus on the competition element of the show, attempting to recapture the magic of the singing competition.
The Show’s History
The X Factor UK‘s inaugural season premiered on iTV and Virgin Media One on September 4, 2004. The first season gained almost 7.5 million average viewers per episode. Due to the success of the inaugural season, The X Factor UK went on to air around 445 episodes across 15 different series. The network also created five spin-off shows based on the original format.
Due to the shows success, there have been some great judges on the panel. Some of the most notable X Factor UK judges are Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, and more. This show introduced the UK and the U.S.A. to some great talent. Some of the most successful contestants are James Arthur, One Direction (Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik), Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, and more.
Even though the show has been on a hiatus for quite some time, it has always remained active on social media. We can’t wait to see The X Factor UK‘s return!
