Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Tell me Si I don’t like Sundays...
X Factor talks to stick to just Saturday nights
There are lots of new ideas that are being thrown around INSIDER ON SHAKING THINGS UP NEXT SERIES
X FACTOR bosses are contemplating a big shake-up of the new series – and may axe the Sunday night show.
In a bid to freshen things up and take on rival Strictly Come Dancing, producers are also thinking about getting rid of the boot camp section.
A source said ITV believes the programme may work better by returning to a single show on a Saturday.
It will follow a similar format to the talent show’s start in 2004 – when Steve Brookstein was crowned winner.
Back then, there were two episodes on a Saturday, culminating with the result and one act leaving.
Fans may also see the last of the boot camp stage, say insiders – instead, acts will go straight from the audition stage to the popular six-chair challenge.
A source said: “The question being asked is whether things could be done a little bit differently in the new series.
“One idea being looked at is whether getting rid of the Sunday show would allow
ITV to put all its focus and resources into making Saturday night’s X Factor even more spectacular. Nothing has been decided but there are lots of ideas being thrown around.”
Last year the show underwent the biggest overhaul in its 13-year history. It pulled in an average 4.4million viewers compared to Strictly’s 9.9m.
It’s not yet been confirmed which judges will return but there’s speculation that Simon Cowell will replace Nicole Scherzinger with Cheryl.
A show source said: “Any changes to the show’s format are made to ensure it keeps evolving to strengthen it.”
An X Factor spokesman said: “No decisions have been made about the new series.”