"The X Factor" executive producer Simon Cowell and the creators of "The X Factor" stage musical are looking for an actor to play the most important character in the show: Cowell. In an article published by The Sun on January 21, 2013, Cowell said that he'll probably be involved in the casting of that character and that the auditions just might end up on TV. As previously reported, "The X Factor" stage musical (whose title is to be announced) is being prepared as a West End production to debut in London sometime in 2014. Former "TV Burp" star Harry Hill is writing the musical's script.
Cowell told The Sun: “We’re going to see a workshop on the musical in a couple of weeks’ time. What I’m hearing is that it’s very funny and very good. That workshop will be the time we decide whether we are in or out. We have to wait and see whether it’s going to work. But the buzz from the people who know about these things is that it’s very good.
“Musicals are not my business but I’m going to approach it like I would a TV show. The team have spent a long time working on this and from the very first time I met Harry Hill he was absolutely besotted with the idea, so we’ll see. Who would play me? We may have to do an audition show. That would be a good idea.”
In an interview on ITV1's "This Morning" on December 7, 2012, Hill commented on what kind of actor he thinks should be cast as Cowell in the musical: “I think it's got to be someone of a small stature, but someone with a great voice. We do need a big star. Perhaps the viewers can suggest someone?”
In an August 2012 interview with The Telegraph, Hill commented on the script draft for the musical: "[Simon Cowell] likes it, so we're doing it. It's like a 'TV Burp' treatment, a celebration/piss-take, to get the lovers and haters in. It's not caustic, like 'Jerry Springer: The Opera.' That would be quite an easy route to take, but we want it to be funny above everything."
News of "The X Factor" musical first broke in September 2011, when it was reported that Cowell had reached out to Hill to work on the musical.
Hill's "TV Burp" show ended in May 2012, after 11 years on the air.
There is no word yet if "The X Factor" musical will feature all original music that was written specifically for the musical (which is highly unlikely) or if the musical will consist of a collection of hits (which is much more likely).
January 25, 2013 update: Cowell went on Twitter to announce that he is officially on board to produce "The X Factor" musical. Cowell tweeted: "The X factor musical is sensational! It's a yes from me." Click here for more details.
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