The X Factor has sparked fresh speculation about a potential reboot after quietly updating its Facebook profile picture to its 2016-2018 logo. The change comes weeks after reports that a revival of the ITV talent show has been in development since December, with details kept under wraps.
The show originally aired annually from 2004 to 2018, producing 15 series and a celebrity spin-off in 2019. During its run, it launched the careers of major British artists, including Alexandra Burke, Olly Murs, and One Direction. ITV officially confirmed the show’s cancellation in 2021, focusing instead on Simon Cowell’s other hit, Britain’s Got Talent.
Facebook update fuels fan excitement
Over the weekend, The X Factor’s Facebook page changed its profile picture to the branding used between 2016 and 2018. This design, the third iteration, stripped away the words 'The' and 'Factor,' leaving only the iconic X. The final redesign, released in 2018, featured a gold version of the logo with a larger series of X’s at its core.
Fans quickly took the update as a sign that the show is returning. Rhodri commented on Facebook: 'So this has confirmed the speculations about the show is coming back.' Emma called it 'a sign,' while Lynne said she was convinced the show is 'making a comeback.' Bethan exclaimed: 'It’s time to get the band back together!' Ellie added: 'If it’s not Sharon, Simon and Louis, I don’t want to know.'
Judging panel and host speculation
The 2016-2018 logo period featured judges Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, and Nicole Scherzinger, alongside Simon Cowell. This lineup is among the most recognized in the show’s history, having first appeared together in 2004. Over the years, other judges included Cheryl, Gary Barlow, Tulisa, and Nicole Scherzinger. The final series in 2018 saw Simon lead a panel with Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams, and Ayda Field.
Dermot O’Leary, who hosted the show from 2007-2014 and 2016-2018, is rumored to return. He remained non-committal when asked by Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain this month: 'It’s six years since it was on air which doesn’t sound like that much of a long time, but the world has changed and the music’s changed, and how we communicate and how we watch things has changed so much in those six years.' He added: 'I’m fascinated as to what they’ll do if they do bring it back. It’d have to be, in many ways, a very different show [but] you still want the nostalgia of how it was in the first place.'
Potential new host and next steps
Reports have also suggested that Love Island host Maya Jama is a 'frontrunner' to host the reboot. An insider told The Sun that Maya is 'perfect for the reboot,' citing her 'plenty of experience hosting live shows and is one of the hottest talents on telly right now.' The source added: 'The X Factor want to appeal the show to younger viewers and they feel Maya’s Love Island hosting and her huge following make her an ideal candidate.'
Metro has contacted ITV for comment. As of now, no official confirmation has been made regarding the reboot, but the recent social media activity has intensified fan anticipation.
