Simon Cowell has some BIG changes for The X Factor live shows
OOO!
TV talent show The X Factor has been on our TV screens for a massive 13 years now so, more or less everybody in the country is aware of how the concept works. But it seems boss Simon Cowell has some big changes in store to keep it fresh.
Already two weeks into the brand new series, The X Factor viewing figures haven't been as great as previous years and it looks like Simon is taking action.
We've already heard about some changes to show, including auditions taking place at Thorpe Park, getting rid of the 'joke acts' and the spin-off show The Xtra Factor being axed, but now Simon has some plans for the famous live shows.
Although the basic format of a live performance show on a Saturday and a results programme on a Sunday night still essentially remains the same, it's thought bosses have plans to see some acts booted off on Saturday nights aswell.
It is also being reported that Simon is planning to welcome even more A-List stars to perform on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, with Harry Styles being just one of the big names in question.
A source told a national newspaper, "Simon loves making changes to the show’s format to keep it fresh, so he’s been pitching to producers that the show should ditch the traditional Sunday night format, which is always 15 minutes recapping the previous night’s show, a guest performer, a sing off and an elimination.
"He wants the show to mix things up, have guest performers on Saturday’s show, kick out acts on both nights of the weekend… it’ll be must-see TV."
The source added, "The shows will be tighter, less predictable for viewers and acts will perform across the weekend."
It's also been revealed that there will be fewer live shows this year, with only six in the run up to Christmas, as opposed to 10 in previous years.
Another insider explained, “The show won’t have a Christmas special this year – in fact, it barely gets past Fireworks Night before it’s over."
Last week it was also reported that Simon was planning on bringing back former judge Cheryl for the Judges' Houses stage of the competition.
The brand new series of The X Factor continues on ITV on Saturday 16th September.
Check out the official photos from this series show below: