A POPULAR reality show could be returning for a one-off special after being off-air for five years - and it would mean the return of a couple of famous Colchester faces.

A group of former The X Factor contestants, including Colchester’s Stevi Ritchie, are reportedly reuniting to record a charity single for Comic Relief ahead of Red Nose Day on Friday, according to the Sun.

Dermot O’Leary, who hosted the singing contest for most of its run and is also from Colchester, is also rumoured to be involved in the reboot.

A source told the Sun: “It is the ultimate mega-mix of talent and they’ve got a real catchy hit in the works.”

ITV and Comic Relief have been approached for comment.

Dermot was born in Colchester in 1973 and he attended Colchester 6th Form College.

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He went on to gain a BA degree in Media & Television and worked as a DJ for BBC Essex.

His career has also included presenting Big Brother's Little Brother.

Ritchie finished sixth on the X-Factor back in 2014 after reaching the live shows and being mentored by Simon Cowell.

Following his stint on the programme, which reached millions of screens in homes across the country every week, Stevi became a familiar face.

Appearances on the likes of Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Celebrity Big Brother followed, and he also signed a deal with Sony Music Japan.

Since then, the former wrestler has focused more on his stage and theatre output and starred in various pantomimes.