The British free-to-air television network, ITV, declared a decision to stop airing The X Factor, an international reality television music competition.
An ITV spokesman told the BBC: “There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.”
The statement came following reports in The Sun that creator Simon Cowell has axed the television music competition programme after 17 years.
The X Factor first aired in 2004 and judges on the show have included Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Cheryl, and Nicole Scherzinger.
The style of show, first started by music mogul Simon in the UK, has become popular all over the world, and continues to air in different countries.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: ‘Globally, it is still a phenomenon and rakes in millions every year. But in the UK, there is no question it has become slightly stale.
‘Simon remains at the top of his game and knows how to make a hit. He owns the rights to the show, and it’s his call, not ITV’s, whether or not he drops it.’
They added: ‘Clearly the last thing he wants is for X Factor to fizzle out with a whimper and become a bit of a joke, especially in contrast to the show in its pomp.’
Earlier last month, Simon Cowell sparked controversy after he pulled out of the new series of The X Factor Israel which is due to air on Reshet 13 later this year.
The Jewish News of London cited a source saying, “For a number of reasons, he just can’t be there in Israel to film the show now… Of course he is bitterly disappointed — but it was a decision he had to take.” T
The source declined to say whether Cowell’s decision had been made as a result of the recent war on Gaza, the outlet reported.
