Simon Cowell is reportedly eyeing up Maya Jama to present a return of the revamped X Factor as the ITV show is set to follow BBC rival Strictly by targeting younger viewers.

The X Factor pulled in 19million viewers during its heyday and saw contestants such as Leona Lewis and One Direction become household names.

After 15 series, it was shelved by ITV and went on to have two spin-off series X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band.

Now, bosses at production firm Talkback Thames are said to be targeting Love Island presenter Maya, 32, to front the talent show as it is poised for a sensational return to boost ITV's viewing figures. 

Maya previously worked with X Factor mogul Simon for his show Walk The Line in 2021, with sources saying he rates her highly.

A source told The Sun: '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.'

According to the source, Rylan Clark and Dermot O'Leary are also being considered for the role.

The Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment.

Last month it was said that head judge Simon is likely to return to the show in some sort of capacity.

Insiders claim the broadcaster is keen on bringing it back with a revamp after new shows The Neighbourhood and The Fortune Hotel were panned.

A source told The Sun: 'ITV have a giant gaping hole that needs filling in its entertainment schedule, particularly over weekends when bigger viewing figures are up for grabs.

'ITV can’t afford another disaster after the car crash of The Neighbourhood, which was colossally expensive and failed terribly. Rather than creating more flop formats they have the opportunity to give The X Factor, a sure-fire hit, a modern makeover.

'They can explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Cowell behind the scenes. The plan is for the show’s return to take on a new life and be updated to envelop social media generation.'

The Daily Mail contacted ITV for comment at the time.

Earlier this year, it was reported Simon had signed up for a new X Factor documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage.

Sky has described the untitled show as a 'definitive documentary series exploring the era-defining entertainment juggernaut'.

The X Factor was presented by Kate Thornton, Dermot O'Leary, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs over the years.

Simon was joined on the judging panel with a number of famous faces including Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl, Gary Barlow and Tulisa.

Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson also joined him at some point over the years.

The contestants who took part were put into one of four groups – the boys, girls, over-25s and groups.

And they were also mentored by a number of celebrities including Simon, Sharon, Louis, Cheryl, Dannii and Nicole.

The show became a huge fan favourite and there have been a number of huge success stories from the singing show, which saw singers audition at the start of the series to try and make it to the live shows, which aired on a Saturday night.

They include Olly Murs, Little Mix, One Direction, JLS, Leona Lewis and James Arthur.