ITV confirms The X Factor has been scrapped after 17 years

Iconic ITV show The X Factor has been scrapped after 17 long years on our screens.

The talent show has entertained the nation since 2004, however ITV has now confirmed that there’s ‘no plans’ for it to return.

The X Factor was created by Simon Cowell back in 2004 but hasn’t aired since 2018.

ITV said in a statement: “There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.”

However, a source revealed the show might not be permanently axed, rather placed on the backburner for at least five years.

The source said: “Globally, it is still a phenomenon and rakes in millions every year. But in the UK, there is no question it has become slightly stale.

“Simon remains at the top of his game and knows how to make a hit. He owns the rights to the show, and it’s his call — not ITV’s — whether or not he drops it.

“Clearly the last thing he wants is for X Factor to fizzle out with a whimper and become a bit of a joke — especially in contrast to the show in its pomp.

“It is still on the back-burner and there’s the option to return it in 2023, with auditions next summer, but a lot will ride on his new format Walk The Line.”