Maya Jama is reportedly being considered to present a revamped return of The X Factor, as ITV looks to attract younger viewers with a revival of the former Saturday-night hit.
Producers at Talkback Thames are said to be targeting the 32-year-old Love Island presenter, who previously worked with Simon Cowell on his 2021 programme Walk The Line. Cowell is understood to rate her highly.
An unnamed source said Jama would be “perfect for the reboot”, citing her experience presenting live television, her interest in music and her sizeable following.
The source added that ITV wanted to appeal to a younger audience, with Jama’s work on Love Island and her popularity making her an ideal candidate.
Rylan Clark and Dermot O’Leary are also reportedly being considered for the presenting role. O’Leary hosted The X Factor for several years, while other presenters included Kate Thornton, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs.
The X Factor revival plans
The programme is believed to be under consideration as ITV seeks to strengthen its entertainment schedule. Insiders have claimed the broadcaster is keen to bring back the format with a modern makeover, including a younger panel and a greater focus on the social media generation.
Cowell is expected to return in some capacity, although the precise nature of his involvement has not been confirmed. ITV has been approached for comment.
The X Factor attracted as many as 19 million viewers at the height of its popularity and helped launch the careers of acts including Leona Lewis, One Direction, Little Mix, JLS, James Arthur and Olly Murs.
After 15 series, the original show was shelved by ITV. It later returned in spin-off forms including The X Factor: Celebrity and The X Factor: The Band.
Cowell is also signed up for a forthcoming documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the programme. The untitled series has been described as a definitive documentary about the entertainment format.
Over the years, Cowell shared the judging panel with figures including Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl, Gary Barlow and Tulisa, as well as Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson.
