Former X Factor contestants react following 'no current plans' for another ITV series

ITV News correspondent Rebecca Barry reports on the confirmation of there being no plans for another series of The X Factor

Former X Factor contestants have shared mixed reactions to ITV announcing there are "no current plans" for another series of the entertainment show.

The statement from ITV confirming the show will not be renewed soon came following reports in The Sun that creator Simon Cowell has axed the programme after 17 years.

An ITV spokesperson said in a statement: “There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.”

The programme last aired in 2018 when Dalton Harris was crowned the winner.

Over its near two-decade run, the show has produced talents such as Little Mix, One Direction, Leona Lewis and JLS.

While some X Factor stars went on to earn millions in the spotlight, many of the show's winners have struggled to sustain a career.

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It was revealed in February last year that Cowell was resting the programme for 2020.

How former X Factor contestants have reacted to the show 'ending' after 17 years

Former X Factor contestants have also reacted to the news of the UK show ending for now,

John and Edward Grimes, known as Jedward appeared in the sixth series of the show. They came sixth but went on to release four studio albums.

They welcomed the end of the show.

"If it wasn't for the show we'd be winning Grammies," John told ITV News.

He continued: "I feel like it gives a bad light on you and people try to narrowly define you by it. It's been 10 years, we write and produce our own and I know we started there, but I feel like they were always trying to hold you back from where you first began on the show," John said.

"I feel a lot of people have been exploited on the show, people behind the scenes, different contestants have come forward and shared their stories."

"If it wasn't for the show we'd be winning Grammies" - Jedward on why they are happy to see the end of X Factor

Yousseph Slimani, known as Chico, who rose to fame after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2005 series has expressed his sadness for the show ending.

Chico, who had the Number 1 hit 'It's Chico Time' following X Factor in 2006, told ITV News: "It's sad that it has come to an end because it was something that brought us all together."

Chico continued: "For me, the X Factor has been the building blocks for everything that I have done afterwards which is to start a charity that reaches 100,000 children, go on to have a Number 1 single - knocking Madonna off the top spot...basically it gave me the catch phrase 'It's chico time' and that I can use until the end of time.

"And for me, I'm eternally grateful for it because without it, I wouldn't be where I am," he added.

Meanwhile, the Irish duo Jedward, who participated on the show in its sixth series in 2009 and are outspoken critics of the X Factor, tweeted: "Xfactor has been axed Mission Complete."

Former contestant Katie Waissel also shared an article about it on her Instagram stories, with the hashtags #journeyforjustice #breakthecycle #news #gratitude.

Ms Waissel has also been a critic of the show after she featured in the seventh series in 2010.

Jack Remmington, who was on the show in 2017 as part of a duo with fellow singer Joel, tweeted his apparent sadness at the latest ITV announcement.

He said: "So sad The X Factor has officially ended. Had such a wonderful & supportive journey on that show."

He added: "My favourite moment was when Simon, my mentor, told us when we were kicked out the live shows that ‘it was such a shame as he was just starting to like us’. Such a nice man xx"A show insider told The Sun newspaper: "Globally, it 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.

The news came following reports in The Sun that creator Simon Cowell has axed the programme after 17 years. Credit: PA

"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."

The top 5 most successful X Factor artists/bands

  • One Direction

In 2010 Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne auditioned as solo artists, later to be put in a boy band on the show.

One Direction achieved third place in the competition and were signed to Syco records.

One Direction became stars after coming fourth in the X Factor in 2010. Credit: PA

Since then, they have sold over 70 million records worldwide, embarked on four world tours and have a reported net worth of £260 million.

After announcing a hiatus in 2016 after Zayn Malik left the band in 2015, they are pursing solo careers.

  • Little Mix

In 2011, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson individually auditioned successfully as soloists and were later put into a girl group.

They became the first band to win the X Factor.

Litle Mix became the first band to win X Factor in 2011. Credit: PA

Since then they have sold over 60 million records and have a net worth of over £54 million, making them one of the biggest girl groups of all time.

In December 2020, Jesy Nelson shocked fan by announcing she was leaving the group.

In 2008 JLS, which consists of Marvin Humes, Aston Merrygold, Oritsè Williams and JB Gill were the X Factor runners up, coming in second place to Alexandra Burke.

JLS were finalists in the show in 2008. Credit: PA

With a net worth of over £24 million and six million records sold, the band split up in 2013 to pursue other projects.

In 2020 it was announced they would embark on a reunion tour, which begins in October 2021.

  • Leona Lewis

In 2006 Leona Lewis won the X Factor, defeating Ray Quinn and signing a £1 million record contract.

Leona Lewis won the X Factor in 2006 and received a £1 million record contract. Credit: PA

She has sold over 30 million records worldwide and is a six-time BRIT and three-time Grammy nominee.

Leona now lives in Los Angeles.

  • Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke first auditioned for the X Factor in 2005 but was sent home at judges houses by Louis Walsh.

In 2008 Alexandra re-auditioned, making it all the way and even singing a duet with her idol Beyoncè in the final.

Alexandra Burke was crowned champion in 2008. Credit: PA

She won the competition, defeating boy band JLS and has since released three studio albums.

In 2014 she made her West End debut in The Bodyguard and is now a regular star in musicals.