The X Factor: ‘Drastic revamp’ to see ‘live shows cut and auditions held in a theme park’

Simon Cowell reportedly feels that the show has become “tedious”
Judging panel: Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, and Nicole Scherzinger with Simon Cowell
SYCO/THAMES/DYMOND
Emma Powell4 July 2017

If you’re tired of the X Factor format then listen up – Simon Cowell is planning a “drastic revamp”.

The music mogul, 57, is reportedly set to shake-up the way the auditions, bootcamp and live shows are constructed in a bid to win back viewers ahead of the upcoming series.

According to reports, contestants will be encouraged to sing original songs at the audition stage which will see some held at Thorpe Park.

The Bootcamp stage could also undergo a revamp with contestants performing in front of a studio audience.

But the biggest shake up will reportedly hit the live shows, which will be cut from 10 to six in the run up to Christmas and will see eliminations take place on both Saturday and Sunday’s shows to create more drama.

X Factor winner Matt Terry - in pictures

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An X Factor source told The Sun: “Ratings plummeted and Simon knew a drastic revamp was needed.

“The Saturday night show became so tedious as there was rarely any drama which an eviction would bring.

“ITV believes transforming it is the right decision. It means all singers will perform on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, with acts being eliminated both nights.

“They are doing the Thorpe Park auditions early on, too, because producers think the unconventional location will create some funny footage.”

Reports also suggest novelty acts will not be encouraged after wannabe rapper Honey G turned the show into a “laughing stock” last year.

The source said: “Ultimately, show bosses are determined to make another star.

“They don’t want the show to be a laughing stock again like it was with Honey G.”

Standard Online has contacted a representative for The X Factor for comment.

The X Factor returns to ITV later this year.

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