AXS Renews The X Factor UK

AXS TV RENEWS THE FLAGSHIP VERSION OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR MUSIC COMPETITION SHOW ‘THE X FACTOR UK’ FOR A SECOND YEAR 

34-Episode Fall Series Features Return of Renowned Judge Simon Cowell, Head-To-Head Competitions and Unforgettable Performances from Today’s Top Music Artists in Season 12

AXS TV, cable’s premier music entertainment channel, has renewed the hugely successful global hit The X Factor UK for a second consecutive year. The network will continue as the official U.S. broadcast home for the 12th season of the signature program, premiering in the fall on AXS TV. The agreement, which features a 34-episode order, was signed with FremantleMedia International (FMI) and Syco Entertainment. The X Factor UK was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by Syco Entertainment and Thames TV (part of FremantleMedia UK). AXS TV is the first American television network to air the legendary UK version of the show.

AXS TV will continue to air all episodes of The X Factor UK within 24 hours after the respective UK broadcasts. Encore episodes will be broadcast directly following AXS TV’s premieres.

Last year’s broadcast of season 11 was a success for AXS TV, as the DVR-friendly series lifted The X Factor UK’s average audience on AXS TV by 68% (Live+3) during its broadcast run, according to Rentrak. Additionally, the network achieved social media milestones when former contestants of The X Factor, such as One Direction and Fifth Harmony, supported the channel with live tweets and custom video messages.

Known for its high-caliber performances showcasing lavishly produced sets and wardrobes, the series is also one of the first stops for major recording artists to promote their latest hits. Last season, AXS TV viewers were among the first in America to enjoy Taylor Swift’s smash “Shake It Off”; Maroon 5’s “Animals”; two separate Sam Smith performances featuring “Like I Can,” and “Stay With Me,” respectively; One Direction’s single “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” performed live for the first time on TV; and Ed Sheeran’s chart-topper “Thinking Out Loud,” which he later sang with winner Ben Haenow in the finale.

“The X Factor UK is a stand out series for AXS TV that excels in consistently delivering unforgettable performances from both today’s top artists and aspiring vocalists, alike. American viewers have embraced this series, as last season’s dramatic storylines and eliminations led to significant increases in engagement each week,” said AXS TV Senior Vice President of Programming and Development Michele M. Dix. “We are excited to see what new talent the show will discover this year, and which judges will grace the panel. With Simon Cowell at the helm, we know that we will, once again, have a show that will be strongly supported by our core viewing audience.”

The preparation for season 12 is underway, as contestants will be soon auditioning across the UK in Manchester, London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. As previously reported, former host Dermot O’Leary is not returning for Season 12. Announcements revealing the new host, as well as next season’s judges, are forthcoming.

Over the past decade, The X Factor UK has set the benchmark in finding worldwide superstars, producing acts such as international boy band sensation One Direction, soulful songstress Leona Lewis; pop stars Olly Murs and Cher Lloyd; R&B quartet JLS; 2014 runner up Fleur East; and Little Mix, the first group in the history of The X Factor UK to win the competition. To date, every X Factor UK winner has achieved a No. 1 single on the UK music charts.

The X Factor is a global hit entertainment format that is now produced in 53 territories and has been watched by more than a half billion people worldwide. The X Factor franchise has discovered and launched more international breakout artists than any other singing competition series, with X Factor artists amassing a combined global total of more than 200 million record sales. The format is owned and created by Syco Entertainment, and co-produced/licensed by FremantleMedia worldwide.