SIMON COWELL has reportedly axed The X Factor for good after 17 years on TV – attracting would-be singers from all around the world.
The TV talent show host's UK version of the hit-show last aired in Britain in 2018 and has been looked after by Cowell for at least five years.
According to The Sun, sources close to the 61-year-old music mogul believe The X Factor is "unlikely" to return to UK screens.
The tabloid reports that Simon will now focus on a new big-money gameshow called Walk The Line.
A show insider said: "Globally, it [The X Factor] 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.
"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.
"It is still on the back-burner and there's the option to return it in 2023, with auditions next summer, but a lot will ride on his new format Walk The Line."
