February 4th 2025.
ITV is reportedly in the early stages of developing a new X Factor-style show to fill the void left by the popular singing competition's departure. According to Metro, the broadcaster is currently in the early stages of producing their own version of Zenith, a hit French-Canadian competition program. This format, first launched in 2023, features well-known artists from different generations competing in front of a live audience of 100 people who act as judges.
The audience is divided into four generations- generation Z, generation Y, generation X, and boomers- each represented by a star captain who will explain their vote. Each week, the singers will perform popular hits from different decades in order to appeal to a wide range of generations. Then, one performer from each generation will be chosen to compete in the grand finale, where only one winner will be crowned in the ultimate generation war.
ITV is said to be working on a UK version of Zenith, with The Masked Singer UK producer Bandicoot. This comes after the network decided to scrap The X Factor in July 2021, after 14 consecutive years on air. The show, which featured a rotating panel of judges including Robbie Williams, Cheryl, and Gary Barlow, was a global phenomenon but had become "slightly stale" in the UK according to a source.
The X Factor had its share of iconic moments, such as Beyonce performing with Alexandra Burke, the birth of One Direction, and the unforgettable duo Jedward. However, since the show's end, former contestants have come forward claiming it lacked proper duty of care measures. Simon Cowell, who created the program, has even discussed how he would revamp the show if it were to be rebooted, admitting that it had become too much of a "machine" in the past.
Former contestant Chico Slimani has also spoken out about the show, claiming that it uses contestants for profit. He acknowledged that the show gave him a platform to entertain and earn a living, but also stated that contestants are often "used or abused" for the network's benefit. In response, a spokesperson for The X Factor stated that the welfare of contestants is of utmost importance and that they have measures in place to support them.
Metro has reached out to ITV for comment on their plans for a UK version of Zenith. While there have been rumors of an X Factor reboot in the past, nothing has been confirmed. However, with the success of shows like The Masked Singer and the continued popularity of singing competitions, it wouldn't be surprising if ITV decided to fill the void left by The X Factor with their own unique program.
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