The story behind one of TV’s biggest talent shows is getting the documentary treatment. Sky has greenlit a new series exploring ‘The X Factor,’ with creator Simon Cowell set to participate in the project.
The announcement confirms the music mogul has already begun filming interviews with production company 72 Films, known for their Emmy-winning work on ‘9/11: One Day in America’ and ‘The Zelensky Story.’ The definitive series will feature those closest to the show’s story, both in front of and behind the camera, offering an unfiltered look at the phenomenon that dominated screens from 2004 to 2018 in the UK.
Getting the judge on board is being hailed as a major coup. A source told The Sun:
“Getting Simon on board is a huge coup in its own right as he is, after all, the man who was always at the heart of the show during the 15 years that X Factor was on our screens. But it has wider significance because it means that other famous names who appeared on the series have effectively been given Simon’s blessing to be involved in the documentary too.”
The insider added that producers are likely to gain access to extensive archive footage, some of it previously unseen, from the show’s long run. They emphasized this won’t be a soft look at the TV phenomenon but rather an in-depth exploration of both its triumphs and controversies.
The news arrives after the 66-year-old recently admitted he went “too far” with his harsh critiques on the show. Speaking to The Times, he confessed he was sometimes “a d***” and said he’s “not proud of it.”
The series will be directed by Tim Lawton, with Mark Raphael and Clare Cameron serving as executive producers for 72 Films. Kate O’Hara is on board as series showrunner, while Hayley Reynolds and Bruce Fletcher executive produce for Sky. A release date has yet to be announced.