The X Factor Gets a New Local Treatment in Greece

LONDON: FremantleMedia International, Syco Entertainment and Greek free-TV network SKAI have teamed up for a new local version of The X Factor.

The adaptation of the music talent-show format is set to launch next spring, marking the start of the channel’s brand-new entertainment strand. With this agreement, The X Factor has now been commissioned in 51 territories across the globe since it launched in 2004. The show gives aspiring performers the opportunity to compete to win a record contract. The X Factor Greece previously aired on ANT1 from 2008 to 2011.

Anahita Kheder, FremantleMedia International's senior VP for the Middle East, Africa and South Eastern Europe, said: “We are looking forward to collaborating with SKAI on their new push into entertainment, and even more thrilled that they chose The X Factor as one of the pivotal brands to launch this new direction of programming. The X Factor continues to inspire and entertain viewers the world over. It has proved to be a great launch pad for some of the biggest global sensations and with this new version in Greece, we are excited about adding another superstar to that list.”

“SKAI is overjoyed to [be] welcoming the ultimate global music talent show: The X Factor,” added Alkistis Maragoudaki, the program director for SKAI. “Created by the leaders of entertainment, SYCO and FremantleMedia, The X Factor is one of the most favored music television events around the globe and has paved the road for the future talents today, thus rendering the show a trendsetter that promises and delivers. Our aim is to embrace this project with our high-quality standards, and thus to consolidate our strategy towards the realm of entertainment.”

Syco Entertainment’s head of international, George Levendis, commented: "I am thrilled to see The X Factor back on Greek and Cypriot television in its new home on SKAI TV. There are some exciting format developments that will ensure The X Factor is fresh and innovative to the Greek audience. The X Factor in Greece has always delivered talented, vibrant and wonderfully fun contestants. This new season on SKAI TV will be no different. And, personally speaking, The X Factor has been a big part of my life for the last eight years, so seeing it back in my country is fantastic.”