A revitalized version of The X Factor is reportedly being planned, with ITV considering a new host for the popular singing competition. While Simon Cowell, the show's original creator and a major figure in the music industry, is expected to be involved in some capacity—perhaps working with a "fresh judging panel"—the identity of the new host has yet to be confirmed. The show, which originally aired from 2004 to 2018, helped launch the careers of several UK music stars, including Leona Lewis and One Direction, but its final series saw a drop in viewership to around 4 million.
Maya Jama, currently the host of the reality show Love Island, has emerged as a leading candidate for the role. Sources suggest she has experience hosting live events and is seen as a strong choice to attract younger audiences. Simon Cowell, who previously worked with Maya on his 2021 reality competition Walk The Line, is said to hold her in high regard. However, she is not the only name being considered. Rylan Clark and Dermot O'Leary, both with extensive experience in live television, are also in the running for the hosting role.
Dermot O'Leary, who previously hosted The X Factor from 2007 to 2014 and again in 2016–2018, was reportedly reluctant to discuss the possibility of the show returning. While he acknowledged the changes in music and how people consume entertainment over the past six years, he expressed interest in seeing how the show might evolve. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell has been cautious about reviving the show, fearing it could become a "Poundland version" of its former self. He has reportedly stated he would not support the return unless the show met his high standards and would prefer to focus on his Netflix series Simon Cowell: The Next Act instead of returning to judging.
ITV is aiming to fill a gap in its entertainment lineup with a modernized version of The X Factor, hoping to attract a new generation of viewers. The network is considering incorporating social media integration and assembling a fresh panel of judges to make the show feel more current. The success of this new iteration will depend on whether it can capture the same energy and appeal that made the original version a cultural phenomenon.
ITV Rumored to Reboot The X Factor with New Host and Judges
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Original sources:
- 🇬🇧Metro UK



