Dermot O'Leary has revealed that The X Factor will not return until 2022 at the earliest.
Amid flagging ratings for the long-running format, ITV and creator Simon Cowell decided to give the show a rest in 2020 - the first time in 17 years that it has not been part of the broadcaster's Autumn schedules.
Earlier this year ITV head of television Kevin Lygo hinted that it may not be back in 2021 after all, and now host O'Leary has confirmed that to be the case.
"It's got the turning circle of a car ferry. There's a lot of planning that goes into it," he told Sunday Brunch.
"It definitely won't be next year, so it will probably be back in 2022."
Pressed if he knew whether it would definitely be back in 2022, he answered: "If I knew, I'd tell you, because I'd be happy. I've no idea!"
The show is still on the air in multiple territories around the world, including Italy - currently broadcasting its 14th season - France and Colombia.
Neil Wilkes
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