ITV confirms 'X Factor' go-ahead in autumn

ITV has rejected reports that they are considering postponing ‘The X Factor’ until January 2012, saying that 'The X Factor' will return to ITV1 in autumn 2011.

The television station said it is "not considering postponing" the show until January 2012.

ITV had announced a new three-year deal with producers Syco and Fremantle Media in October last year for 'The X Factor' and 'Britain's Got Talent' and that deal remains in place.

Show chief Simon Cowell is expected to miss this year’s competition as the live stages, which take place in the autumn, will run at the same time as the finals in the new US version of the show, and with him expected to be joined on the Stateside panel by current UK judge Cheryl Cole, bosses are determined to do whatever they can to keep the pair involved in the series.

However, changing the transmission period could cause havoc for the entire network.

A source said: “ITV is looking at a range of options to keep Cheryl and Simon. But changing dates would play havoc with ITV’s schedule and the auditions have already begun.”