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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Siobhan Macdonald

The X Factor to return for 'one off charity special' for Red Nose Day after five years off air

The X Factor is set to return for a very special one-off in honour of Red Nose Day.

The ITV competition show was the birthplace of a number of stars including Leona Lewis, One Direction, Little Mix, JLS, Alexandra Burke, and many more. The X Factor was a Saturday night staple from 2004-2018 before its axe, but some of the show's most iconic contestants will reunite for a charity special.

Dermot O'Leary is reportedly the frontman of the comedy sketch as he leads a group of the show's most iconic failed performers to record a one-off single. Dermot has reportedly filmed scenes already with Honey G, while other stars like Chico and Stevi Ritchie are set to return.

A source told The Sun: “The X Factor has been off air for five years so what better time to bring back some of their most controversial acts. Comic Relief has created a band out of some of the singers and have put X Factor host Dermot front and centre.

“They spent this week ringing some of the show’s past performers and are enlisting the most memorable from the cast."

They added: “Honey G the rapper from 2016 has filmed her part with Dermot, while Stevi Ritchie from 2014 has been approached — along with 2005 star Chico.

“It is the ultimate mega-mix of talent and they’ve got a real catchy hit in the works. Simon Cowell won’t be a fan of the end result but if it raises money for Comic Relief it’s definitely a winner.”

Brazilian star Wagner shot to fame on the 2010 series of the show, but was unable to fly back to the UK at the time of filming. This news comes after reports X Factor could return next year after TV bosses struck a deal with Channel 5 for a new series.

Simon Cowell previously claimed that "the time is right" to bring back the talent competition which ended in 2018. He told The Sun: "I would only do it again if we could go back to where the show started. If we could find some great people and create those TV moments that live forever".

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