Maya Jama tipped to host X Factor reboot
Maya Jama is reportedly the frontrunner to host a revamped version of The X Factor.
Maya Jama is the frontrunner to host the revamped X Factor.
It was revealed last month that Simon Cowell is hoping to bring back the talent show - which ran for 15 series until 2018 - and it has now emerged he's keen to get the Love Island presenter on board to anchor the competition because he believes she has what it takes to help achieve his hope of finding a new, younger audience.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Maya is perfect for the reboot as she would bring a fresh young audience as well as energy.
“She has plenty of experience hosting live shows and is one of the hottest talents on telly right now. Plus, she loves music and really knows her stuff.
“The X Factor want to appeal the show to younger viewers, and they feel Maya’s Love Island hosting and her huge following make her an ideal candidate.
“She’s also really busy with her acting career, but would make space in her schedule for the right opportunity.”
Former X Factor host Dermot O'Leary, 53, is also a possibility to return, as is Rylan Clark, 37, who became a household name after making it to the live finals in the ninth series of the show back in 2012.
The insider added: “Rylan is another name that has been talked about, as well as Dermot, for his reliability and nostalgia factor.”
Earlier this week, Dermot admitted he is "fascinated" by the possibility of bringing back The X Factor in such a different time for the entertainment industry.
He said on Good Morning Britain: “Do you know what’s interesting? I have been thinking about it. It’s six years since it was on air, which doesn’t sound that long.
“But the world has changed, and the music’s changed, and how we communicate and how we watch things has changed.
“I’m fascinated as to what they’ll do. It’d have to be, in many ways, a very different show, but you still want the nostalgia of how it was.”
ITV and Talkback Thames declined to comment on the speculation.
