Simon Cowell is reportedly plotting a massive X Factor shake-up for the next series, putting stars at the forefront of a new look show.
Reports claim that Cowell is looking to put celebrities – from soap favourites to reality icons – in the middle of the dramatically overhauled programme.
The new plans will reportedly spell “the end of X Factor as we know it” and the “end of an era” as the show, which has seen ratings decline over the past series, remodels into “Strictly with celebrities”.
“It has been 100% axed. The show is done,” a source told the Daily Star. “The decision has been made to drop X Factor in its current form.
“It’s being replaced by a show that’ll only be for celebrities. Members of the public won’t get to take part. So viewers won’t see new talent being discovered anymore.”
An insider also told The Mirror to “imagine Strictly but with singers”, adding: “That's the plan being talked about at present. There is no doubt the X Factor format needs freshening up – this is it.”
However, another insider said: “The X Factor has not been axed and will be back on ITV later this year.”
One Direction star Tomlinson triumphed in his debut series as Dalton Harris walked away with the crown in December.
Despite praise for the star-studded panel, viewers were switching off in their droves as ratings plummeted to under four million.
The show continued to be dwarfed in the Saturday night charts weekly by BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, eventually won by Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.
