ITV’s new talent show The Masked Singer might cause the demise of The X Factor , insiders say.
The forthcoming programme, which will feature stars performing in costumes that conceal their identities, is due to be screened on eight consecutive nights in the spring.
It has already proved a huge hit in the US and 12 other countries.
A source said: “The Masked Singer is a bit different to all the other talent shows.
“You don’t know who is under the costumes so it’s a lot of fun and there are plenty of laughs along the way as everyone tries to guess who’s who.
“It could easily become the natural replacement for The X Factor.” Simon Cowell is battling to save his show as its viewing figures continue to fall.
It pulled in 19.4 million for the final in its 2010 heyday.
On Saturday the celeb version only had 3.1 million.
This is a million less than Danny Dyer’s new BBC1 quiz show The Wall which went head-to-head with X Factor.
BBC show Strictly Come Dancing did even better, peaking with more than 10 million viewers this weekend.
The judges on The Masked Singer speculate about who each artist is but their identities are not revealed until they are voted off or win.
X Factor chief Simon and ITV are currently renegotiating his deal.
Bosses want to beat him down on the price paid for X Factor 2020.
