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‘X Factor’ Live Shows ‘To Be Scrapped’ As Bosses Plan ‘BGT’-Style Makeover For The Show

Could this save the show?
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This year’s series of ‘X Factor’ could look a lot more like ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, as it’s being claimed that bosses are giving the show a huge shakeup.

It’s fair to say that ‘X Factor’, which has been on our screens since 2004, has struggled in recent years, and Simon Cowell reportedly thinks he has the perfect plan to get viewers tuning in again.

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'The X Factor' will return again this summer
ITV

A source told the Daily Record: “The ‘X Factor’ executives feel it needs a shake-up with big changes to the format.

“They have been discussing having just a few weeks of live shows - so people get to know the singers - and then one big finals week.

“They think viewers would prefer one week of great TV, with star performers. ‘BGT’ is a huge success, so they could take inspiration from worse places.”

The new plans will also be a big help for the judges, especially Sharon who has a particularly busy schedule.

“If the live shows were focused on one week it would be easier to fit into schedules for the judges,” the source continues. “Sharon had to commute from the States every week for months.

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'BGT' has continued to be one of the most popular shows on television
Danny Martindale via Getty Images

“Cutting down the live shows is just one of a series of scheduling options, but the move wouldn’t affect the total number of hours of the series.”

A spokesperson for the show hasn’t denied or confirmed the reports, and told the paper: “No decisions have been made about the new series.

“Discussions are ongoing and details will be announced in due course.”  

It’s been a tough few years for the ‘X Factor’, suffering losses in the ratings stakes to shows including ‘Countryfile’.

It’s not yet clear which judges will be back this year, and Sharon recently cast doubts over whether she will be making a return, as recent health problems mean she may need back surgery.

'X Factor' Series 6: Where Are They Now?
(01 of24)
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Kandy Rain were the first act to be eliminated, finishing in twelfth place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Kandy Rain(02 of24)
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Former strippers Kandy Rain were repeatedly dragged for their style during their short spell on 'X Factor', and the following year, appeared on 'Snog Marry Avoid', and they were given a make-under by POD.

They split soon after, and we're afraid they've not bothered the pop charts since. (credit:BBC)
(03 of24)
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Rikki Loney finished in eleventh place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Rikki Loney(04 of24)
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Shortly after 'X Factor', Rikki joined several other former reality stars, including Andy Scott-Lee, Kavana and S Club Juniors' Stacy McLean in 'Gleemania', a travelling show slated as the UK's answer to 'Glee'.

According to his Twitter, he now lives in New York, which is very exciting, isn't it? (credit:Nils Jorgensen/REX/Shutterstock)
(05 of24)
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Miss Frank finished in tenth place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Miss Frank(06 of24)
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Sadly not one of the year's greatest success stories, Miss Frank split a year after leaving 'The X Factor'.

Here they are in happier times, switching on the Christmas lights at Welwyn Garden City. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX/Shutterstock)
(07 of24)
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Rachel Adedeji finished in fourth place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Rachel Adedeji(08 of24)
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Rachel wasn't on 'The X Factor' long, but made a lasting impression on viewers, largely due to the way the voiceover man said her name each week, and the fact she fell over at Bootcamp.

Still, she's been able to carve a new career for herself since 'X Factor', and in 2016, joined the cast of 'Hollyoaks' as Lisa Loveday. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
(09 of24)
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Lucie controversially left the show in week five, after a sing-off against John and Edward... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Lucie Jones(10 of24)
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After making a name for herself as a stage actress, Lucie joined the cast of a touring production of 'Rent' in 2016, playing the exuberant and OTT activist, Maureen.

The following year, she was chosen by the UK to represent us in the Eurovision Song Contest, with her song, 'Never Give Up On You'. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
(11 of24)
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Jamie Archer finished in seventh place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Jamie Archer(12 of24)
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As recently as 2015, Jamie was still hoping to make it in music, as this video of him "rocking out" on his official website proves.

His hair, as you can see, is also still epic. (credit:YouTube)
(13 of24)
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John and Edward - somehow - finished in eighth place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Jedward(14 of24)
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Staggeringly, Jedward are among the most successful 'X Factor' performers ever, despite being the original joke act.

The duo have released three (not unlistenable) albums since coming off 'X Factor', and represented Ireland not once but twice in Eurovision.

In 2017, they were brought into the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house as 'All Stars', six years after first taking part in the show. (credit:Stefan Rousseau - PA Images via Getty Images)
(15 of24)
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Lloyd Daniels finished in fifth place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Lloyd Daniels(16 of24)
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For a number of years after 'The X Factor', Lloyd was more likely to be found filling your Instagram feed up with selfies than anything else, but in recent more years, he's returned to performing.

In 2014, he joined the cast of 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat', in the lead role of Joseph. (credit:John Stillwell/PA Archive)
(17 of24)
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Danyl Johnson just missed out on the final, finishing in fourth place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Danyl Johnson(18 of24)
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Along with Lucie Jones, Danyl returned to our screens in 2017, with his bid to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest. (credit:Tom Dymond/REX/Shutterstock)
(19 of24)
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Stacey Solomon finished in third place... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Stacey Solomon(20 of24)
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Years after her 'X Factor' stint, Stacey was named Queen Of The Jungle after taking part in 'I'm A Celebrity'.

You're now more likely to find her on the 'Loose Women' panel, having joined the show at the end of 2016.

That year, she also joined 'I'm A Celebrity' spin-off show 'Extra Camp', but made headlines when her time in Australia meant she was unable to rehearse for a pantomime she had committed to, meaning she appeared onstage with her script on a clipboard. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex/Shutterstock/ITV)
(21 of24)
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Olly Murs was named 2009's 'X Factor' runner-up... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Olly Murs(22 of24)
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He's done alright for himself, let's just say that. (credit:Tommy Jackson via Getty Images)
(23 of24)
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Joe McElderry won the show, but famously missed out on the Christmas number one spot due to a Facebook campaign... (credit:FremantleMedia Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Joe McElderry(24 of24)
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While it's often suggested that male 'X Factor' winners have a tough time once the show is over, Joe has been able to enjoy a successful career in showbiz.

Although no longer with Simon Cowell's label, he has four top 10 albums under his belt, and has won a new legion of fans by appearing on reality shows 'Popstar To Operastar' and 'The Jump' (both of which he won). (credit:Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock)
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