X Factor boss Simon Cowell has demanded a massive overhaul of the show, telling friends: “I’ve had enough – things have got to change.”

Former creative director Brian Friedman, 35, is in talks to return from the US to revive the “lacklustre” live routines.

Simon plans to personally tutor each of the judges who he believes “under-performed” on the ITV show last year.

The record label boss thinks X Factor needs urgent work after it was overtaken in the ratings and “out-glammed” by the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

A show source said plans were being made in meetings ahead of the boot camp which starts shortly, so everything is in place by the time of the live shows in the autumn.

The insider said: “Simon has made it clear that things have got to change and The X Factor must be the number one show on TV without question.

“Last year it was embarrassing being beaten in the ratings some weeks by Strictly Come Dancing, with all the buzz being about the BBC show instead of his.

Simon won’t allow that to happen again and he wants Brian back on board to help the show look outrageous and unbelievable.

Brian worked on the US version of the show last year and Simon has sent out an SOS to get him back to the UK.”
Last year's line-up: Simon wasn't impressed with their performance (
Image:
ITV)

Brian choreographed the UK show during its most successful period, from 2007 to 2010.

He was behind the acclaimed performances from the likes of Jedward and Wagner that made the show such a TV sensation.

But last year the team faced stiff criticism from the BBC, with Russell Grant’s outrageous performances on Strictly earning rave reviews and beating them in the ratings with up to 12 million tuning in.

Simon’s planned changes go wider – he has not renewed the contract of head of make-up Natalya Nair.

He is in talks to bring in his personal make-up artist Julia Carta to revamp things backstage.

Show sources also suggest that there will be changes to the styling team for the finalists.

That would mean the entire team working with the singers will be revamped before the show goes live.

An X Factor spokesman declined to comment