[Denver]

SIMON COWELL has decided to axe The X Factor's Sunday night show in favour of ramping up ratings, according to a report.

The 57-year-old ITV judge will now send acts home on Saturday night in the new shake-up to keep up with rival Strictly Come Dancing.

In previous years, Sunday night’s hour long episode saw a recap of the Saturday night meaning viewers were not at a loss if they hadn’t tuned in.

The sing-off and elimination part of the show will also be moved to the end of Saturday’s show.

“Simon loves making changes to the show’s format to keep it fresh, so he’s been pitching to producers that the show should ditch the traditional Sunday night format,” the insider said.

The shows will be tighter, less predictable for viewers and acts will perform across the weekend
Show insider
They added to the Sun: “He wants the show to mix things up.

“Have guest performers on Saturday’s show, kick out acts on both nights of the weekend. It’ll be must-see TV.

“The shows will be tighter, less predictable for viewers and acts will perform across the weekend.”

An X Factor spokesperson refused to comment when approached by Express.co.uk.

It comes as The X Factor drew an average of 5.5 million viewers this weekend, including those watching on the ITV HD and ITV+1 channels, peaking at 6.8 million viewers.

ITV’s singing competition launched last week to just six million viewers, its lowest ever launch since 2004.

The X Factor continues this Saturday on ITV at 8pm.

http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-...s-Strictly-ITV