The Xtra Factor to be taken off air and replaced with digital spin-off

The X-Factor's spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, is to be taken off air, ITV have announced.

The broadcaster said the decision was not related to the performance of former hosts Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Edmondson, but because of a move towards creating extra content and clips for online.

The show launched alongside the singing competition in 2004.

Previous hosts have included Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton and Caroline Flack.

Richard Holloway, managing director of Thames TV - who make The X Factor - said: "In the past year there has been an increase in digital engagement and online audiences around The X Factor.

"In light of this, ITV's strategy to focus their efforts on digital means The Xtra Factor on linear television has come to its natural end.

"We've had great fun making the show and would like to thank Rylan, Matt and Roman (Kemp) for their fantastic and entertaining work on the last series.

"We now look forward to focusing on making great content for our social platforms in support of the main show."

An ITV spokeswoman said: "The X Factor is our biggest ITV entertainment show, in terms of online engagement.

"We have taken the decision to move away from a linear switchover show, and instead focus our efforts on our digital platforms, in support of the main show."