X Factor: All Stars ‘was axed as big name stars including Leona Lewis backed out’
X FACTOR: All Stars was reportedly axed because Leona Lewis backed out.
The Mirror claims Simon Cowell, who launched X Factor: Celebrity last month, ditched the idea because big names had failed to sign up.
The music mogul has now announced spin off, X Factor: The Band, that will air next month to rival BBC series The Search, which features Little Mix.
A TV source told "He has struggled to get anyone to take part in All Stars.
"Simon has really rolled his sleeves up and is determined to make both the current series and X Factor: The Band a big success. He is more focused on work than he has been in years."
Speaking about the show, Simon said he is determined to find a new pop phenomenon.
Korean K-Pop acts such as the top-selling boy band BTS are an example of where the industry is going and he reckons he can find a UK act to rival them.
He told The Sun's Dan Wootton: "K-Pop is ruling the world. This is a show to find a band to launch UK-Pop. It’s more than winning a record contract, it’s starting a new music wave.
"Every group will be put together by us — just like One Direction, Little Mix and Fifth Harmony. It’s people who represent Britain’s version of K-Pop. That was always our plan. We’ve just brought it forward a bit."
Meanwhile, Simon lashed out at rumours ITV could be preparing to axe X Factor, insisting a new deal with the broadcaster is days away.
He said on Sunday: "By next week we’ll announce it. It’s already been agreed. It includes Got Talent."
What's more, he thinks audiences could get a triple helping of X Factor next year.
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He said: "There is every possibility next year there could be three X Factor shows — Celebrity, All Stars and another group show.
"The important thing about why ITV is supporting us is that it’s the young people watching us. The 16 to 34 viewership on X Factor Celebrity is enormous — even bigger than Love Island.
"ITV are thrilled. There’s a lot of confidence back in the format now."
Stay tuned with our X Factor Celebrity live blog for all the latest news and updates from tonight's show.
- To audition, send a video of yourself singing to The X Factor’s WhatsApp number on 07733 222 927 or apply online .