Hoping to boost the X Factor ratings Simon Cowell is bringing in 'iconic music stars' for the live shows.
It was originally reported Louis Walsh would return as a fifth judge, now Simon want's to take things to a new level.
Simon Cowell hopes to line up a series of big name artists, with the likes of Rod Stewart and Dolly Parton already being sounded out to join the panel.
They would appear for one week only as a fifth and impartial judge.
A show source revealed to The Mirror newspaper: “There have been some discussions about introducing a fifth guest judge on the panel for the live shows to keep the format fresh.
“The idea would be to have a music legend to join Simon, Cheryl, Rita and Nick as an impartial judge each week."
"We’re still exploring how this could work so nothing is set in stone.“A fifth judge means we have a majority decision for anything that happens, it would mean an end to deadlock too in sings offs which some viewers see as a cop out.”
"Louis Walsh would also get his chance to be a guest judge, but would perhaps only stand in when big name musical acts cannot be booked, as well as perhaps in the final."
By introducing veteran music icons the show is hoping to attract the older audience back.
Another show source said: “Simon went for a young and fresh panel this year with Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora. He has no complaints and is happy with how they are working and attracting young viewers, but this new plan might help also get viewers who are much older and might tune in to see their idols on screen. Tom Jones was a big hit with older viewers on The Voice so it is that kind of theory.
“The show is in good shape now with consolidated figures of around nine or ten million each week once you add in catch up TV. But as always with Simon, he wants more and thinks this could be a way to push the figures even higher.”
A spokesman for X Factor insisted details were still being worked on for the live shows, which kick off on ITV on October 31 for seven weeks of shows.
The spokesman added: “Plans for the live shows are still being finalised.”
The X Factor Six Chair Challenge continues on Sunday !TV 7pm
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