Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
indy100
indy100
National
Sinead Butler

X Factor is being ‘axed’ after 17 years – here’s how people reacted

The original X Factor judges when the show first aired (from left) Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh

(Picture: ITV)

ITV has said there are “no current plans” for another series of The X Factor, marking an end of an era for the UK music industry and reality TV.

During its 17 years on air, the show has helped launched the careers of chart-topping superstars such as One Direction, Little Mix, Leona Lewis, and Olly Murs.

The ITV statement followed The Sun’s report which said creator Simon Cowell has axed the programme and will be rested for “at least five years”. There hasn’t been a series in three years, with the show last airing in 2018 when Dalton Harris won the singing competition.

Former contestants were among those reacting to the news.

Irish duo Jedward, who participated on the show in its sixth series in 2009, are outspoken critics of the X Factor and shared their delight at the news.

Former contestant Katie Waissel also shared a Daily Mail article about it on her Instagram stories, with the hashtags #journeyforjustice #breakthecycle #news #gratitude.

Waissel has also been a critic of the show after she participated in the seventh series in 2010. Earlier this year, she claimed that somebody on the X Factor team sexually assaulted her.

At the time, a spokesperson for Syco Entertainment said: “Despite a number of requests to Katie asking her to detail the claims to us, she chose not to make a complaint over his behaviour. As a result, and without other evidence to the contrary, we were obliged to accept his denial of the claims.”

But Jack Remmington, who was in the show in 2017 as part of a duo with fellow singer Joel, shared his sadness at the news:

Some X Factor fans shared their favourite iconic moments from over the last 17 years as they reflected on the announcement.

While others shared their delight that the show was not making a return

Due to the last season airing in 2018, some already thought the show had been axed before today’s announcement from ITV.

Elsewhere, people noted that this marks the end of the X Factor vs Strictly Come Dancing ratings battle - with many declaring Strictly as the winner.

In February last year, Cowell announced he was resting the programme for 2020.

Last month it was revealed Cowell will return to our screens as a lead judge on ITV for a new musical gameshow called Walk The Line.

The 2018 series of The X Factor was presented by Dermot O’Leary and featured judges Louis Tomlinson, Ayda Field and Robbie Williams.

Previous judges on the programme include Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger, Cheryl, Gary Barlow, Nick Grimshaw, Rita Ora, Kelly Rowland and Dannii Minogue.

The first series began back in 2004 and in recent years spin-off shows were created such as X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band in 2019.

Due to the success of the UK show, Cowell took The X Factor across the pond to create a US version that would last for two seasons (2011-13).

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Forget blue light blocking for better sleep — this is the hidden iPhone feature to use instead
This hidden gem iPhone feature turns my phone from a carnival of excitement to an absolute snoozefest. Here's how to do it.
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Florida woman ghosts her date after a nightmare meetup. A week later, he sent her something she’ll never forget
A first date going wrong are nothing new. But this Florida woman’s experience proves that sometimes, a person’s true character comes out days after the bill is paid. 
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Rescue group in Las Vegas tries to catch a toucan that escaped its owner before it's too late
The life of a toucan seen flying around the Las Vegas desert is at risk unless it can be captured soon
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
‘Im too scared’: Texas woman orders Sausage McGriddles at McDonald’s — only to find teeth fragments in her breakfast
It’s not unusual to have a weird food experience at a food joint in the United States. Sometimes, you may find something missing, while other times you may find something that doesn’t belong. In the case of user @kai_michelle24 on TikTok, who is from Texas, unfortunately, it’s the latter. In…
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Even Fox News hosts struggling to make sense of RFK Jr’s and Kid Rock’s workout video
‘Listen, somebody needs to tell RFK Jr. it’s okay to wear shorts. I mean, bro, don’t be upset about your legs,’ Fox News military analyst Johnny Jones said
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
NC Parents: Miss Too Many School Days and You Could Face Fines
Waking up to a coughing child with a fever triggers an immediate focus on their health. You naturally keep them home to recover and shield their classmates from germs. However, those recovery days accumulate quickly. Soon, a letter arrives in the mail that feels more like a legal threat than…
Budget and the Bees
Budget and the Bees
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play