The ‘Xtra Factor’ has been axed after 12 years.
The ‘X Factor’s sister show – which was broadcasted after the main show on ITV2 – has been cancelled in favour of making their online content "bigger and better".
A source told The Sun newspaper: "The ‘Xtra Factor’ has had an incredible run on TV but the producers have realised they need to keep up with the times and move with the audience. The majority of young ‘X Factor’ fans are now consuming the show’s extra content via social media, on the official app and on YouTube, where their clips reach millions of people.
"The plan is to build on that and focus entirely on making their digital output bigger and better. It’s nothing to do with Rylan and Matt. They did a great job and if the show was continuing on TV they would definitely be returning. It’s just about the nature of how people consume TV now. ITV is already doing a very similar thing with The Voice."
Whilst a spokesperson for the broadcaster confirmed: "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."
And bosses have insisted the decision is not anything to do with last year’s presenters Rylan Clark or Matt Edmonson.
‘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."
Xtra Factor axed
