Simon Cowell hints at teaming up with former X Factor star for new show

Lucy Spraggan appeared on The X Factor in 2012

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 9th Dec 2022

Simon Cowell has teased plans for a brand new TV show. The music mogul, who spearheaded the likes of Pop Idol, The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, has dropped hints about working on a brand new talent programme alongside former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan.

Appearing on The One Show, Simon and Lucy were asked whether they had anything in the works to replace The X Factor, which was last seen on screens in 2018 - and Lucy, who appeared on the show in 2012, confirmed that they'd had discussions.

Talking of The X Factor, Simon said: "When we started the show in the first place, it was honestly with the feeling that people need a platform. It’s very difficult to get a record deal. It still is today. It’s really, really hard. I would argue it’s harder today to get your music noticed than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

"So, the show did what it intended to do, which was to help people who couldn’t get a record deal for whatever reason … And in a lot of cases, it did launch careers."

Lucy then added: "There are things, if it was to ever come back, that Simon and I would love to make it a better show for the contestants and for their longevity. The importance is finding new talent who really need a voice and a platform. Simon has that and I have the experience of being a contestant; I think we could make something really special."

Simon then confirmed that he "might have" had a conversation with Lucy about a potential telly show, and that there could "be a plan" to collaborate on something in the future.

Scroll through to see who won The X Factor and their winners' single:

2004: Steve Brookstein - 'Against All Odds' (Over 25s)

Steve Brookstein's winning single debuted at Number 2 in the UK charts behind Band Aid 20's 'Do They Know It's Christmas', the following week it went to Number 1.

2005: Shayne Ward - 'That's My Goal' (16–24s)

Shayne Ward was the second winner of the competition and released an original song - whereas most winners released the covers. 'That's My Goal' became the fastest-selling song of 2005!

2006: Leona Lewis - 'A Moment Like This' (16–24s)

According to reports, 1 million copies of the single were pre-ordered by stores and it was downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes of being available online! It reached Number 1 in both the UK singles and download charts.

2007: Leon Jackson - 'When You Believe' (Boys)

The single was another successful winners' single getting to Number 1 in the UK and becoming a Christmas Number 1.

2008: Alexandra Burke - 'Hallelujah' (Girls)

Alexandra's 'Hallelujah' became a Christmas Number 1 for the fifth X Factor winner.

2009: Joe McElderry - 'The Climb' (Boys)

After winning the competition, Joe McElderry's version of 'The Climb' went to Number 1 in the UK. The song was a cover of the Miley Cyrus song which was also released in the same year and featured in Hannah Montana: The Movie.

2010: Matt Cardle - 'When We Collide' (Boys)

Matt Cardle won the seventh series of The X Factor and released his cover of 'When We Collide' (original title - 'Many of Horror'). The song reached Number 1 in the UK and became the second bestselling single of 2010.

2011: Little Mix - 'Cannonball' (Groups)

They might be releasing Number 1 songs here, there and everywhere, but back in 2011 Little Mix won The X Factor and released 'Cannonball'. Unlike past winner's singles, the song wasn't released during the week of the popular Christmas Number 1 battle. The song debuted at Number 1 becoming the fastest-selling single of the year.

2012: James Arthur - 'Impossible' (Boys)

James Arthur's cover of 'Impossible' was released immediately after he won the ninth series of The X Factor. The single became the fastest-selling winning single from The X Factor!

2013: Sam Bailey - 'Skyscraper' (Over 25s)

'Skyscraper', originally sung by Demi Lovato was released by 2013's X Factor winner, Sam Bailey. The song became a Christmas Number 1 with all proceeds from the single going to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.

2014: Ben Haenow - 'Something I Need' (Over 25s)

Once again The X Factor winner hit the top spot for Christmas in 2014.

2015: Louisa Johnson - 'Forever Young' (Girls)

Louisa Johnson released her version of 'Forever Young' however, unlike many of the previous winners' singles it didn't make the top spot, only reaching Number 9 in the UK.

2016: Matt Terry - 'When Christmas Comes Around' (Boys)

Written by none-other than Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, 'When Christmas Comes Around' was The X Factor's second ever original song to be released as the winner's single. It debuted at Number 3 in the UK.

2017: Rak-Su - 'Dimelo' (Groups)

'Dimelo' was yet another original single to be released as an X Factor winners' single. It reached Number 2 in the UK, being kept off the top spot by Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect'.