Is ‘The X Factor’ UK reducing its total number of live shows?

There has been a recent trend lately of singing shows going with fewer episodes, with much of the reason being that networks don’t necessarily want to give up the same amount of real estate that they once did to the format.

However, the situation coming up for “The X Factor” UK may be a little bit different, given that we are talking a little bit here about a show that still does well, and we may not be seeing fewer shows this coming season due to anything related to ratings. Rather, we are hearing via the Mirror that the show could be losing three live shows for the upcoming season, bringing its total down to nine, because of scheduling conflicts on ITV with the Rugby World Cup. The first live show could now begin on October 31 rather than earlier; here is what a source had to say:

“Simon thinks 12 shows can drag. And he knew X Factor could be moved if rugby was on. That would have been a huge headache.”

The biggest problem with moving the show is that it comes on at a timeslot suddenly where there are less viewers available, and then you have some potentially-disinterested people who do not watch down the road. While this is not the loveliest situation by any means for those who are diehard fans of the singing show, we understand that there may not be a better solution available when you consider the variety of different components at play. Plus, Simon really should know this business inside-out at this point.

If you do want to read about some of the latest “X Factor” news and rumors right now, head over to the link here! Also, you can sign up here to get some other TV news worth singing over, courtesy of our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)