Olly Murs is "gutted" that ‘The Xtra Factor’ has been axed.
The ‘Troublemaker’ singer fronted the spin-off alongside Caroline Flack between 2011 and 2014 before taking over as host on ‘The X Factor’ – the main show – for a year in 2015, so it’s hardly surprising that he’s devastated the series has been chopped.
Taking to his Twitter account on Thursday (19.01.17), he said upon hearing the shocking news: "Awww what!!! Woke up to the news Xtra Factor is no more! Gutted! Some of the best memories on that show with Cazza & the crew!! #thatsright. (sic)"
Bosses decided to cut the sister show – which was broadcast after the main show on ITV for 12 years – in favour of making their online content "bigger and better".
A spokesperson 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."
But the news hasn’t sat well with last year’s presenters Rylan Clark-Neal or Matt Edmondson – who were determined to get sacked after the last series – and they’re adamant they’re not to blame for the programme getting pulled as it had been going downhill for ages.
Rylan said: "After an amazing series I just want to say what an honour it was to finally host The Xtra Factor alongside the lovely Matt and naughty scamp Roman (Kemp).
"I propose a wake alongside Matt, Roman, Rochelle, Melvin,Sarah, MattR, Caroline, Olly, Konnie, Fearne, Holly and Ben where we can all wear black and mourn as one. God bless Xtra and all who sailed her. Sleep well girl. (sic)"
But producers are adamant the decision to cancel ‘The Xtra Factor’ had nothing to do with any of the hosts.
‘X Factor’ executive producer Richard Holloway, who is the managing director of Thames TV, said: "We’ve had great fun making the show and would like to thank Rylan, Matt and Roman 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."
Olly Murs is ‘gutted’ Xtra Factor is cancelled
