Simon Cowell shares twist in his plans for a 'new One Direction'

Simon Cowell has dropped hints about his upcoming project to scout for the next chart-topping boyband, teasing a "never seen before" twist in the format.

It's been over a decade since Cowell was instrumental in the formation of One Direction on The X Factor, and now he's confirmed that he's back on the prowl for fresh talent.

The search is set to be captured on camera for a "potential documentary series" by Box to Box Films, with whispers indicating a possible Netflix release, though confirmation is still up in the air.

During an appearance on This Morning on Friday, July 12, Simon divulged to hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond: "I have no idea how this is going to end because until we find the band that's sort of it but there is something I'm going to do in the middle which I've never done before which I'll tell you about later."

Alison speculated: "I think you'll put them in a house together," reports the Mirror.

To which Simon responded: "It's kind of close to that but something different which I've never done before. I think 1D [One Direction] it was always about friendship and Spice Girls, and the determination to be success."

This revelation follows Cowell's recent scathing critique of social media, blaming these platforms for the music industry's downturn. He argues that the grim situation stems from aspiring artists skipping traditional record label routes and seeking fame through social media channels instead.

Speaking to Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio, Simon Cowell lamented the current state of the music industry: "The reality is that every day something like 200,000 songs are uploaded [to social media] so weirdly less people are getting signed, and less people are breaking worldwide. It's the worst I've ever known it since I've been in the music business. Without Eurovision Sam Ryder wouldn't have got signed there has to be a platform."

In his relentless quest to discover the next global sensation post-One Direction, Cowell is now on the hunt for a new boyband. Yet, he seems to hold out hope for a One Direction comeback.

He added: "Those records have really stood the test of time they still really, really sound great. Imagine if they did reform and their tickets went on sale? They would have the biggest ticket sale in history I genuinely believe that. I don't know whether that's going to happen or not so I'm going to find the next generation."

Earlier this month, Simon Cowell's appearance on Good Morning Britain sparked quite the reaction as viewers were taken aback by his altered visage. Show enthusiasts speculated that he had perhaps indulged too much in cosmetic procedures in an attempt to maintain a youthful appearance.

One viewer commented: "He needs to lay off the botox #gmb."

Another remarked: "It looks like #simoncowell has seen a ghost with the amount of Botox he's had on his face #GMB."

Meanwhile, one viewer exclaimed: "WTF has #SimonCowell done to his face! ? ! @GMB."

Another queried: "@GMB what has Simon Cowell done to his face? ! ? ! #goodmorningbritain."