‘The X Factor’ will lose its Saturday night slot to the Rugby World Cup.
The ITV singing competition – which usually airs on both Saturday and Sunday nights – will be forced off the channel on Saturday evenings when it returns later this year as the sporting event is to air instead.
ITV has paid for the rights to the upcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup – which will be played across the United Kingdom – and ‘The X Factor’s’ primetime slot clashes with pool games and the knockout stages.
However, as bosses of the show are currently in the midst of a shake up they’re planning to put together an extended Sunday show packed with big guest acts for five weeks this autumn.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It will give producers more freedom to play around with the format in the early stages and freshen up the show a bit as the Saturdays have become predictable."
Meanwhile, Simon Cowell is said to be the only judge confirmed for the next series meaning Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Louis Walsh and Mel B may all be replaced with new names.
Executive producer Richard Holloway said: "There will be some exciting changes. The name of the show will stay the same but we are looking at the format and the judges.
"There will be some surprises this year. But I can’t go into detail."
Asked which judges will definitely have a seat on the panel, he added: "It’s safe to say Simon is staying."
The X Factor loses Saturday night slot
