As development quietly builds around a revamped The X Factor, television execs are exploring a fresh lineup of contenders to lead the format into a new era, with an emphasis on stars who effortlessly cross over between radio, social media, and main-channel TV.
Main Stage Contenders: Capital Breakfast frontman Jordan North, TV and radio favorite Vick Hope, podcasting sensation GK Barry, and Kiss FM presenter Tyler West are among the prime names being discussed as potential fits for the main hosting role.
Social & Broadcast Crossover: Bosses are deliberately looking toward talent who have built massive followings across podcasts, TikTok, and radio before translating that success to prime-time television.
Visualised Podcast Companion: Development plans include a companion visualised podcast to run alongside the main show, with creators like Sam Darlaston, Chloe Burrows, and Jeremiah Asiamah tipped as strong candidates to front the digital spin-off.
The Veteran Angle: Long-time former host Dermot O’Leary addressed his own history with the show on Good Morning Britain this week, where presenter Susanna Reid playfully teased whether he might be “too old” for a modernized iteration.
Target Timeline: Production teams are targeting a potential return for the show as soon as next year, aiming for a heavily modernized, social-first approach.
Rather than sticking strictly to traditional television hosts, development discussions are focusing heavily on broadcasters who naturally bridge the gap between digital content and traditional Saturday night entertainment.
Exploration of Main Stage Hosts
Jordan North—who transitioned from BBC Radio 1 to take over Capital Breakfast alongside notable prime-time TV appearances—is widely seen as fitting the exact profile executives want.
Joining him on the list of potential contenders are figures like Vick Hope, Tyler West, and GK Barry. Each brings a blend of heavy digital engagement, podcast credibility, and live broadcast experience—key attributes for a format aiming to engage younger audiences who consume TV content across multiple screens.
A Dedicated Visualised Podcast
Recognizing how viewing habits have shifted, the proposed relaunch is expected to feature a companion visualised podcast designed to stream simultaneously across digital platforms.
This companion show would dig into backstage access, candidate reaction, and unfiltered commentary. Presenters like Sam Darlaston, former Love Island star turned media personality Chloe Burrows, and BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Jeremiah Asiamah are being viewed as ideal contenders to front this digital extension and keep online conversations moving throughout the week.
Passing the Torch
The shift toward a new era of hosting talent follows a lighthearted moment on Good Morning Britain earlier this week. Veteran presenter Dermot O’Leary was put on the spot by co-anchor Susanna Reid regarding whether he would ever return to front the franchise. Reid jokingly asked if he felt “too old” for a Gen-Z-leaning reboot.
While O’Leary took the teasing in stride, the conversation captured the broader sentiment surrounding the reboot: whenever The X Factor officially steps back into the spotlight, it is likely to be led by a new generation of presenters built for the multi-platform era.
The speculation surrounding the hosting role comes on the heels of a lively exchange on Good Morning Britain earlier this week. During an appearance on the morning show, veteran presenter Dermot O’Leary—who fronted The X Factor for over a decade—was put on the spot by anchor Susanna Reid. Reid quizzed O’Leary on whether he would ever step back into the iconic hosting studio, playfully teasing whether he might now be “too old” for the fast-paced, youth-focused relaunch.
While O’Leary laughed off the lighthearted ribbing, the exchange underscored the clear consensus within the industry: when The X Factor officially makes its high-stakes comeback, it will likely do so with a completely refreshed image, a new digital-first energy, and a brand-new face like Jordan North calling the shots across content fit for TV, socials and radio.
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