[LukeB]

The X Factor's executive producer has promised "exciting changes" to the show this year.

Richard Holloway suggested that producers are considering adapting the format and changing the judging line-up to attract viewers.

"There will be some exciting changes," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"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."

After revealing that discussions with last year's judges - Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh - will begin next month, he said that Cowell is the only certainty to remain on the panel.

"It is safe to say Simon is staying," he noted.
Holloway added that he feels changes are necessary to keep the show fresh after 10 years on air, and said that he "would love to beat" the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings.

"We have been making the show for 10 years and to make it popular you have to refresh the show," he said. "You need to look at every aspect and move with the times.

"There is an ongoing battle with Strictly. On overall volume they beat us last year. It has been a few years since we beat them on overall volume.

"It is quite interesting, the split of the audience. It is very defined."

The judging panel for this year's show is due to be confirmed in May.

The X Factor launches its biggest ever audition tour around the UK at the end of March, where hopefuls for this year's show can try out for the first time.

I can promise you this is not a spoof article

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/...p7Mcg6g21uhmCZ