'The X Factor' have axed their plans to bring in a fifth judge.
The X Factor judges
In a desperate attempt to beat rivals 'Strictly Come Dancing' in the ratings, producers for the singing contest reportedly asked legendary stars such as Sir Tom Jones and Paul McCartney to appear on the upcoming live shows, but the idea backfired because executives failed to deliver on time.
An insider revealed: "Another idea has been tossed on the scrapheap, because it wasn't planned well enough.
"This is becoming a recurring problem. Execs come up with ratings-chasing ideas on a whim, not thinking whether they will be possible, leave it too late and then ditch them."
The news comes after show boss and head judge Simon Cowell admitted he liked the idea and even hinted he was planning to ask axed judge Louis Walsh to return.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "The fifth 'legend' judge was a strange idea, borne out of a fear Strictly was pulling far ahead in the ratings.
"Up until a couple of days ago it looked like it would happen. Simon was keen. It really doesn't look good.
It seems a bit desperate."
There is also talk of 'The X Factor' copying 'Strictly' by using score boards to give contestants a mark out of ten.
A source added: 'X Factor' needs to stick to what it's good at.
"Each year we discuss potential changes. The fifth judge was simply an idea discussed internally which we decided not to proceed with for now."
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