Simon Cowell confirms The X Factor return amid fears talent show getting axed

The XFactor has helped launch a host of stars into the music industry during its 15 year run on ITV, and Simon Cowell says a comeback for the talent show is definitely on the cards

The X Factor will make a comeback to TV, Simon Cowell has confirmed.

Music mogul Simon Cowell, whose company produces the show, has told it will be coming back, which will be welcome news for thousands of hopefuls ready to take to the stage for the opportunity of a lifetime.

The ITV aired show has secured huge success with 15 strong series with each winner landing a lucrative contract and all-important single release.

The show last aired in 2018 and has been on an indefinite hiatus ever since leaving fans and future stars poised for its return.

Speaking to OK! he said: “This year was the first year since we took it off the air, where I realised how much I’d really, really missed it,” he said.

“And I think the public do as well. It was – and is – a brilliant show. And there’s no question it will return.”

He added: “I think we did the right thing in resting it, as it was a huge show to produce and I think people were tired.”

He says the decision was made ‘partly due to wanting to spend more time with his family,’ including son Eric, seven and partner Lauren Silverman.

But Simon has remained tight-lipped on when a possible XFactor come back could begin production.

Fans of the show did, however, get an offering a revamped format in 2019 as The X Factor : Battle of the Stars, which featured well-known celebrities showing off their singing careers, took to the screen.

Hosted by Dermot O’Leary, usual faces Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh were on the judging panel as celebs such as Vinnie Jones, Jenny Ryan, Martin Bashir, Kevin McHale and Ricki Lake all took part.

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And it was TOWIE star Megan McKenna who won the show, landing a record deal after picking up 46.3% of the vote.

The original X Factor has also launched the careers of the likes of Steve Brookstein back in 2004, Alexandra Burke, Joe McElderry, Matt Cardle, Ollie Murs and groups Little Mix and of course One Direction.

Meanwhile, the main show also resulted in the popular spin-off show The Xtra Factor, which aired on ITV2 between 2004-2016 alongside the main show on Saturday and Sunday nights.

The series had a number of different presenters throughout the years, including Ben Shephard, Fearne Cotton, Holly Willoughby, Konnie Huq, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, Sarah-Jane Crawford, Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom, and lastly Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Richardson.