ITV: X Factor is safe

The X Factor creator Simon Cowell

ITV has said it will continue airing The X Factor “into 2017 and beyond,” despite rumours the singing format could be cancelled in the UK due to poor ratings.

Speculation has surrounded the show’s future after the latest season garnered relatively low ratings.

However, an ITV spokesman said: “The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent contracts come up for renewal after the latest series air later this year, and we fully intend to continue with both shows into 2017 and beyond.”

ITV is set to air rival singing competition The Voice in 2017 after poaching the rights from the BBC last year, fuelling more rumours The X Factor is heading for the chop.

But it appears the broadcasters, which acquired John de Mol’s Talpa Media for £355m (US$531.7m) last year, will accommodate both shows on its schedule for the time being.