It’s been on our screens since 2004 but with audience numbers in free fall, worried X Factor producers are plotting the biggest shake up in the show’s history.
According to industry insiders, Simon Cowell and his fellow execs are considering an almighty change over fears that viewers have lost interest in the show’s current format.
The plan? To copy its sister show, Britain’s Got Talent, by airing seven heats followed by a bumper week of a live finale.
A source said: “The X Factor executives feel it needs a shake-up with big changes to the format. They have been discussing having just a few weeks of live shows — so people get to know the singers — and then one big finals week.”
“They think viewers would prefer one week of great TV, with star performers. BGT is a huge success, so they could take inspiration from worse places.”
At its height, the X Factor pulled in huge audiences including 19.4 million people who tuned in as Matt Cardle was crowned the winner in 2010. But recent years have seen a dramatic drop with viewers leaving in their droves.
The final of last year’s – won by Matt Terry and judged by Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger – pulled in just seven million making it the least watched final in the show’s history.
Meanwhile, its BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing goes from strength to strength, apparently sparking Cowell and ITV to think long and hard in order to save the show and bolster its popularity.
Changing the current format has some extra advantages. “If the live shows were focused on one week it would be easier to fit into schedules for the judges,” added the source.
“Sharon had to commute from the States every week for months.
“Cutting down the live shows is just one of a series of scheduling options. But the move wouldn’t affect the total number of hours of the series.”
Of course, X Factor bosses are keeping their cards close to their chest. “No decisions have been made about the new series. Discussions are ongoing and details will be announced in due course,” said a spokesperson.
Watch this space!