X Factor in working men's clubs? Simon Cowell confirms talent show shake-up

Simon Cowell has confirmed there will be changes to this year's X Factor (Getty Images)

Simon Cowell has confirmed there will be format changes to this year’s X Factor.

In a tweet he said: “There will be a lot of changes on X Factor UK and USA. But good changes. I feel excited for both shows this year.”

Reports today suggest that the auditions will take place in small clubs rather than big arena venues, after fears that audiences are bored by big-stage performances by the time the live shows start.

The Sun reports that some senior staff attached to the show have suggested they sing in jazz clubs, working men’s clubs and social clubs in towns and cities across the UK.

A source said: “We always talk about the singer’s ‘journey’ but visually the live shows don’t seem much different from the auditions. We need a significant point of difference between the audition and the live show.

“Smaller venues is the latest idea and it’s one we quite like as it’s new and could feel fresh.”

Simon Cowell is under increasing pressure to achieve better TV ratings for this year’s series of X Factor- the last in the current ten year Syco deal with ITV- after the 2012 final suffered the lowest ratings in six years.

The X Factor creator tweeted the news about changes to the show in a string of late night tweets relating to his personal and professional life.

“I was a little deep tonight but it was one of those night you realise you have a lot to be thankful for,” Cowell wrote on the social media site.

He also tweeted: “What I have realised is there will be bumps in your life but the fun is fixing them. If it was always easy life would be boring,” after mentioning that One Direction continue to “amaze him”.

“Hard workers but still the nicest guys you could hope to work with,” he said.