ITV Commissions Celebrity X Factor

ITV has commissioned a celebrity version of the X-Factor, with the one-off event running on consecutive nights during the Spring.

Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh will judge the show, which will follow the traditional format of Under 25’s Over 25s and Groups category’s.

Commenting on the programme, Paul Jackson, ITV’s director of entertainment said: “The X Factor was a runaway success and united the nation in debates over the rights and wrongs of who got voted each week.”

“We are in discussions with celebrities right now but are keeping some of the elements under wraps. The judges won’t know who they are mentoring until the show starts – and then the gloves are off!”

Richard Holloway, head of entertainment at TalkbackTHAMES and executive producer of the show added: “We are thrilled to be doing this celebrity special version of the show and are lining up some great names to take part. You won’t be disappointed!”

Simon Cowell, recently extended his deal with ITV to appear exclusively on its network of channels until Spring 2008 (see Cowell To Wear ITV’s Golden Handcuffs Until 2008).

Cowell’s new contract follows some high profile talent changes for ITV, with the embarrassing departure of Paul O’Grady last month (see O’Grady Latest Chat Host To Leave ITV) followed by the retention of talk show stalwart Michael Parkinson (see Parky To Stay Seated At ITV Until 2007) and the extension of Jeremy Kyle’s contract (see Kyle Signs On For More Chat With ITV).

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