The 'X Factor' axed after 17 years

Watch: The X Factor axed

The X Factor has been axed after 17 years.

ITV has said there are “no current plans” for another series of Simon Cowell’s singing competition.

The statement came following reports in The Sun that Cowell had axed the programme.

Read more: Little Mix criticises X Factor over authenticity

The newspaper said the reality show was being rested for at least five years.

However, it also said sources had indicated that the programme was "unlikely" to be back on UK screens at all.

An ITV spokesman said in a statement: “There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.”

The X Factor - which launched the careers of chart stars such as One Direction, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs and Little Mix - first aired in 2004, when Cowell was joined by Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh on the judging panel.

Over the years other celebrity judges have included Cheryl, Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Read more: Dermot O'Leary confronted Simon Cowell about lack of screentime on The X Factor

The programme last aired in 2018, when Dalton Harris was crowned the winner.

However, Cowell does have another project in the pipeline.

Last month it was revealed that the music mogul will lead a panel of judges in a new musical gameshow for ITV titled Walk The Line.

The show is part talent contest and part gameshow, as singers decide whether to stay in the competition or cash out.

Additional reporting by PA.