Sinitta suggests The X Factor could return this year

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 8h

Sinitta confirms that Simon Cowell is working on a "revamped" version of The X Factor, suggesting that it could even air this year.

Sinitta has suggested that The X Factor has a chance of returning for a new series this year.

The music competition - created by Simon Cowell - was a firm part of ITV's autumn schedules every year from 2004 to 2019 but was "rested" last year amid falling ratings.

The coronavirus pandemic meant that a planned return this year was also put on ice, although Cowell is known to be working on a reboot of the format for broadcast in the near future.

The show has even been linked with a switch away from ITV to a streaming service such as Netflix when it returns and, appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Cowell's close friend Sinitta confirmed that plans for the reboot are very much in progress.

"I'm not sure if it's going to be this year or next year," she said, "but he's working on a revamped X Factor which I'm very excited about. It needs a little revamp, right?"

Asked if she will be part of the new version, she replied: "Well that's the big question, isn't it? Am I going to be a judge? Am I going to be on it? I'll start pestering him now and see what happens!"

While the UK version of The X Factor is off the air, Cowell is gearing up to serve as head judge on the Israeli version alongside Eurovision winner Netta.