‘The X Factor’ UK spoilers: ‘Huge changes’ reportedly coming soon

Stop us when this sounds familiar, but “The X Factor” in the United Kingdom may be looking to reinvent itself … again. Surprised? You really shouldn’t be. This is the sort of thing that we hear around this time every year, along with a somewhat-endless stream of proclamations all about how this show is going to somehow manage to topple “Strictly Come Dancing.”

Just a quick sidebar here: Can we stop with that already? We’re not entirely sure why it matters if this show can beat another show that has a huge following. If the end product here is good and if viewers are staying consistent, that should be what matters most. You obviously want to produce a star at the end, but in the TV business ratings matter most. It’s better to have a forgotten winner and high ratings than a great winner and no ratings at all.

Anyway, we’re speaking here mostly in context of the latest reports per the Mirror that the show is planning to do huge shifts to the format for the upcoming 12th season, and that could include something as extreme as changing the entire judging panel beyond Simon Cowell. Here is what executive producer Richard Holloway had to say on the matter:

“There will be some exciting changes. The name of the show will stay the same but we are looking at format and the judges … There will be some surprises this year. But I can’t go into detail.”

For the most part, the judges (other than Louis Walsh) were not that terrible this past year. The problem we have is that Simon needs to actually work on establishing himself as a true equal. With him present, there is a certain awkwardness that feels like he is presiding over everyone, even if he supposedly has the same power as them.

Are there any genuine changes that you would make? Share your thoughts with a comment, and head over here to get some further TV updates worth a song or two courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)