X Factor comeback is cancelled by ITV as show boss Simon Cowell remains 'incredibly keen' to reboot show

The X Factor comeback has reportedly been cancelled by ITV, despite rumours that the Saturday night juggernaut was set to return. 

During its heyday the singing competition pulled in 19million viewers and was responsible for launching huge names including One Direction, Leona Lewis and Little Mix. 

However while show boss Simon Cowell is 'incredibly keen' for the show to return, it has now been revealed that right now 'the time is not right'. 

An insider said: 'They are always pitching it. It’s safe to say that everyone is well aware of Simon’s desire to bring it back - he’s incredibly keen. But right now, the time is not right.'

After 15 series, the show was shelved by ITV in 2018 and went on to have two spin-off series X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band. 

And ITV bosses have decided not enough time has passed for a reboot. 

The insider told The Mirror: 'The days of these types of shows getting tens of millions of viewers are long gone.'

'Also the duty of care process would need a thorough overhaul - and this was already a very expensive series to make.'

The Daily Mail has contacted ITV representatives for comment. 

Last month former contestants Lucy Spraggan, Jahmène Douglas and Myles Stephenson reflected on the opportunities, trauma and lasting impact of appearing on The X Factor.

In a revealing conversation with Paul C Brunson on the first of his We Need To Talk Full Circle roundtable episode, they reflected on why they think its approach to welfare would need a fundamental overhaul before any potential return.

The former X Factor stars have had their say on how they experienced the show which has received backlash in recent years with claims of 'abuse and bullying'.

Simon Cowell addressed the criticism on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, saying: 'We've always tried, as much as we can, to look after our artists.'

In August, it was said that head judge Simon is likely to return to the show in some sort of capacity.

Insiders claim the broadcaster is keen on bringing it back with a revamp after new shows The Neighbourhood and The Fortune Hotel were panned.

A source told The Sun: 'ITV have a giant gaping hole that needs filling in its entertainment schedule, particularly over weekends when bigger viewing figures are up for grabs.

'ITV can’t afford another disaster after the car crash of The Neighbourhood, which was colossally expensive and failed terribly. Rather than creating more flop formats they have the opportunity to give The X Factor, a sure-fire hit, a modern makeover.

'They can explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Cowell behind the scenes. The plan is for the show’s return to take on a new life and be updated to envelop social media generation.'