X Factor axed as Simon Cowell pulls plug on ITV talent show. (PA) The X Factor is to be axed after 17 years with creator Simon Cowell deciding to pull the plug on the ITV talent show. Both ITV and Simon Cowell have said that have “no plans” for another series. At the peak of its popularity the Saturday night show would secure around 10 million viewers but a sharp decline in viewers has led to Cowell pulling the plug. It was revealed in February last year that there would not be a 2020 series with Cowell focussed on a new ITV musical game show called Walk The Line.