The X Factor looks set to be booted off next year's Saturday night schedules.

According to The Guardian, ITV is planning longer live shows on Sunday to make way for live Rugby World Cup coverage on Saturday evenings.

The talent show has been part of ITV's Saturday evening schedule since it launched in 2004.

But the newspaper has said that a series of clashes with Rugby World Cup fixtures will result in the show moving to Sunday nights for at least some of the 12th series next year.

"The World Cup comes once every four years and it is only the second time it has been in England, it is lucrative and has to be a cornerstone of the schedule," one senior TV executive was quoted as saying.

"The X Factor obviously remains incredibly important to ITV and the two big events will be worked into the schedule."

The X Factor, judged by Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh this year, has suffered in the ratings again this year, losing out to Strictly Come Dancing.