'X Factor' live shows 'will be longer than ever'

The new series of The X Factor will include the competition's longest ever live shows, according to a report.



The eighth series of the programme is expected to kick off later this month. The Mirror claims that bosses are keen to maximise profits by having more extended episodes.

Last year's first live show clocked in at a record 150 minutes, a figure which could be topped by three-hour shows in the upcoming series.

"The feeling is that the audience can't get enough of the show and extending the programmes again seems the natural next step," a source said. "The idea is simple. More X Factor will mean more viewers, more advertising space, more telephone votes and, ultimately, more revenue."

Extra live shows will reportedly see the live finals kick off with 16 contestants. Last year, 12 finalists were joined by four "wild card" contestants. However, several double eliminations saw the number cut down over the 10 weeks.

An insider added: "The final details are still being ironed out but there will definitely be more X Factor on screen this year than it has ever been seen before. There are going to be longer shows and, hopefully, more of them."

The new-look X Factor judging panel - Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Louis Walsh - will film Boot Camp stages of the competition later this month.

Another reason to bin the TV.