X Factor set for Wembley switch?

in Arts & Leisure by admin — December 9, 2009 at 3:04 pm | 1 comment

Olly, Stacey and Joe go head-to-head in the X Factor final this weekend, but next year’s final three could have to compete at Wembley Arena.

The Daily Star says Simon Cowell is considering making the 2010 final a live concert at the 12,500 capacity venue. The show is currently filmed at The Fountain Studios, half a mile down the road.

The X Factor boss wants to build on the huge TV audiences that have stuck with the show, with viewing figures reaching 17 million.

He came under fire for his last introduction of a live audience to the show. Auditions this year were held in front of fans for the first time, but Cowell says that’s been a success.

He said: ““The minute you start assuming that the audience is very happy to see the same show again, you’re dead,”

“It’s the best decision I have made on The X Factor. It really needed that extra buzz. I’m absolutely loving it this year. It’s given me a real boost.”

Reports say plans to switch to Wembley will now be discussed by his company SyCo and X Factor producers Talkback Thames.