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Fans of reality singing contests will be thrilled to learn that plans are reportedly in motion to revive The X Factor in the UK – after the show last aired on ITV back in 2019

The X Factor is set to make a return to the UK, it was claimed tonight. A report has suggested that the iconic talent show could be revived by ITV as soon as next year – after being off the air for nearly seven years.

The long-running singing competition originally aired from 2004 until 2019 and threw a number of unknown acts into the international spotlight – as well as boosting the profiles of the roster of judges. At it’s peak, The X Factor pulled in huge audiences just shy of 20 million viewers.

And TV stars were made out of music producer Sharon Osbourne, boy band fanatic Louis Walsh, Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy, and music mogul Simon Cowell. The show made stars out of Leona Lewis, One Direction and Little Mix – and was a cash cow for ITV.

However, by 2019, interest in the series had waned and the show was axed following a celebrity version of the series that struggled to attract more than 3 million viewers.

Now broadcast bosses are reportedly mulling bringing back the previous hit show – and in a shock move, it appears that 66-year-old Cowell might not be heavily involved and the panel of judges will consist of younger music experts.

It is reported that the network is keen to have a hit after sinking millions into fresh TV formats, including Graham Norton’s The Neighbhourhood and Stephen ­Mangan’s The Fortune Hotel, which underperformed.

A source told The Sun: “Rather than creating more flop formats they have the opportunity to give The X Factor, a sure-fire hit, a modern makeover.

“They can explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Cowell behind the scenes. The plan is for the show’s return to take on a new life and be updated to envelop social media generation.

“ITV has shown with programmes like Love Island and I’m A Celebrity . . . that social media is where they can inject massive viewing figures. The X Factor was one of the most iconic shows in TV history and created dozens of stars and household names who are still riding high today.”

The source went on to claim that Talkback Thames, which produced the series, was in talks with ITV bosses about bringing the show back – and that those involved as keen for the series to be a success again. The Mirror has contacted representatives at ITV and Talkback Thames for comment.

Simon Cowell has previously expressed enthusiasm over the concept of the X Factor being exhumed by TV bosses in the UK. The show currently exists in a number of European countries – including Malta and Hungary.

He told the Tales from the Celebrity Trenches podcast: “Yeah, we talk about it a lot. Do you bring it back as X Factor or do you bring it back as the Z Factor?

“There’s still no question, the power of TV in terms of getting people to know an artist. It’s so important if you’re not writing your own material. The truth is there’s something about being on a big screen. You hear about these artists who break online, but so rarely.

“Truth is, I guess, thank God, people like being on TV.”

ITV has enjoyed some success in reviving former TV shows after they were off the air for a relatively short time. The channel brought back Big Brother in 2023 – just five years after it had been axed by Channel 5. The show pulled in it’s highest ratings in a decade when revived – attracting over 2.5 million viewers when it aired on ITV2.

However, ratings had dropped to less than one million by the time the 2025 season aired. The show is set to return next month for the fourth season in the ITV run – which will be the 23rd season of the show since it first aired back in the year 2000.

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There’s no shortage of twisty, intriguing Netflix miniseries to tune into for your next binge session but one show – and its “bonkers” ending – will stay with fans long after they’ve finished watching

A “mind-bending”, “unpredictable” and “memorable” television miniseries has been lauded by fans – and it’s perfect for those who loved the psychological tension of Netflix’s hit show The Beast In Me, which was fronted by Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys.

Those craving intriguing television shows for their next binge-watching session have no shortage of options on Netflix, with The Stranger, His & Hers, Bodies and more all resonating with audiences and keeping people guessing until the final episode – but it’s a 2021 miniseries that still has telly fans talking. Many people turn to social media on the quest for recommendations, with some content creators amassing devoted followings thanks to their passion and insight into a vast array of shows.

This is the case with Luke Ecclestone, who posts content online as Eccy Reviews. He’s become a go-to source for many people looking for their next binge-watch.

The TV and film lover has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media where he shares his opinions and insights on a range of films and television programmes.

In a recent video posted to TikTok, he discussed three miniseries with a supernatural element and plenty of mystery – as the main discussion was all about Behind Her Eyes.

He began: “Here are three Netflix series that will leave you completely hooked and questioning everything.

“All of these shows are unsettling, unpredictable, and full of moments you will never see coming – and the last one on this list is on a whole another level.”

The first show he recommended was the 2022 supernatural thriller The 7 Lives Of Lea and the second was the 2021 gothic, supernatural horror miniseries Midnight Mass.

But it was the third entry on his list that Luke branded one of “the most memorable” shows of all time.

So, what’s the show in question? Luke said: “The last one on this list is absolutely mind bending – everyone I know who’s seen it absolutely loves it – and the show I’m talking about is called Behind Her Eyes.”

What is Netflix’s ’mind-bending’ 2021 miniseries about?

Behind Her Eyes first premiered on Netflix in early 2021. Based on Sarah Pinborough’s 2017 novel of the same name, it follows single mother Louise as she begins an affair with her new boss, David.

When she strikes up an unlikely friendship with David’s wife Adele, things become more and more bizarre, leaving Louise entirely unsure of who she can trust.

David and Adele’s marriage is complicated, yet Louise finds herself drawn to both of them. When Adele starts helping Louise control her night terrors, a supernatural element is involved that leads to devastating consequences for all.

Luke said: “Where this show went I never predicted in a million years.

“And it is one of the most memorable shows I have ever watched and if you haven’t seen it, you are massively missing out.”

How did viewers and critics respond to Behind Her Eyes?

In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Looking for something you watch tonight… Behind Her Eyes it is!”

Another said: “Behind Her Eyes was absolutely amazing, did not expect the ending. Amazing – [you] defo need to watch. 10/10.”

A third agreed: “Behind Her Eyes is fantastic it blew my head off.”

While someone else was intrigued by all three shows and added: “Mate these sound well good.”

On popular review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, critics had strong reactions to the show – though its “bonkers” twist ending didn’t land with some.

Reviewer Silvina Lamazares said: “A well-structured, complex, attractive story.”

Anne Brodie commented: “Whiplash twists and turns make this a worthy watch as this uncomfortable trio enters new territory.”

But Gayle Sequeira added: “The show’s insistence on progressing towards that bonkers twist, however, results in it sacrificing storytelling in favour of shock.”

Coronation Street fans are worried for Brody Michaelis amid his dodgy dealings with Idris Nazir after a violent scene on Wednesday, with fans predicting a sad fate for the teen

Fans fear a death twist is on the way for one Coronation Street teen, after they crossed baddie Idris Nazir on Wednesday.

After some dodgy dealings with Idris over recent weeks, Brody Michaelis exposed Idris to his love interest Leanne Battersby. Revealing all about the poker night and the fact he’d risked her money in the process, Brody left Idris furious.

Idris had hosted a poker night at Leanne’s restaurant in secret. He then used the £5,000 she leant him, which he claimed was a loan for something, on the poker game. With the help of Ollie Driscoll, Idris fixed the poker game so that Ollie won, and dodgy businesswoman Fiona lost.

With Ollie winning thousands of pounds, most of it went to Idris. But the fact he’d chosen Ollie for this task and not Brody, who is keen to impress his boss, left Brody upset, and he got drunk.

As Brody confronted his boss about Ollie, Idris realised he’d had alcohol. Idris called Brody “sloppy” and a “bad liar”, saying this is why he chose Ollie. A rejected Brody then took his revenge.

As Leanne showed up at the restaurant after the clean-up, Brody dropped Idris in it by confirming the poker night. He told Leanne about the winnings too, making it clear that Idris had used her money.

A furious Leanne told Idris not to bother joining her later before storming out. As Brody laughed, Idris went over to him and attacked him. Pinning him against a wall, he grabbed him before slapping and then grabbing his face.

Idris said: “Think you’re a big man, do you? I don’t care who your dad is. If you ever cross me like that again, you’ll regret it.” He then threw Brody over, telling him to get out.

Fans watching the scenes were worried it was a hint of what is to come for the characters. With Brody tipped to take some time away later this year, as actor Ryan Mulvey works on another project, fans are fearing he could be killed off.

While his exit is only thought to be temporary, fans believe Idris’ true colours have been shown, and Brody could get caught up in dark scenes. A fan said: “I think Idris will kill Brody.”

Another viewer theorised: “I think Brodie’s going to end up asking too many questions or double crossing Idris and that’s how he leaves.” Another fan thought he’d live, but still be facing trouble thanks to Idris.

The comment read: “I can see him going to prison for a while, if the actor is leaving.”

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