The X Factor bosses may ‘shake up the show and axe Sunday night episodes’
Will X Factor axe the Sunday episode? (Picture: ITV) The X Factor bosses are contemplating axing the..
The X Factor bosses are contemplating axing the Sunday episodes in what can only be a bid to attempt to claw back ratings from rivals Strictly Come Dancing.
This will mean the show could return to a similar format of 2004 when Steve Brookstein was crowned as the first winner of the singing competition.
In those days there were two episodes on a Saturday, which saw viewers watch the acts compete and get eliminated within hours.
A source claimed that ITV believes the programme may work better by returning to a single show on a Saturday.
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.
The insider added 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,’ the source added, speaking to The Mirror.
An X Factor spokesman said: ‘No decisions have been made about the new series.’
Last year the show underwent the biggest overhaul in its 13-year history; it pulled in an average of over six million viewers compared to Strictly’s 9.9 million.
It’s also yet to be confirmed if Simon Cowell will replace Nicole Scherzinger with Cheryl as per previous rumours.
Next month, Cheryl, 34, will reportedly talk with bosses about her return to the show, and Simon Cowell will also be meeting with the show’s top execs to discuss their vision for the singing competition’s future – and how they will bring back Cheryl.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Cheryl is the top choice and she is keen to come on board.
‘But as yet, the conversations taking place have been unofficial, because we can’t begin official talks with anyone until the show’s schedule is agreed.’
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The source said: ‘But this is seen by most of the team as a formality, and even the most cautious have put the chances of her replacing Nicole this year at about 85 per cent.
‘It would be a huge shock if it didn’t happen.’
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