FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), one of the leading licensors of entertainment brands in the world, announced today a host of new licensing deals for The X Factor in the UK, making it the most extensive licensing programme for the hit show to date.

The 2010 licensing programme will deliver huge product depth across a range of categories and include everything from adult and children’s apparel including nightwear, baby and toddler apparel and fashion accessories to musical instruments, toys, calendars, greetings cards, gift wrap, top trumps, stickers, karaoke machines, lunchboxes and water bottles. Appealing to all demographics, the different products will be available at all good retailers nationwide from the third quarter of 2010.

With nine new licensees and four licensee renewals The X Factor product range will appeal to retailers and consumers alike. New licensees include Blues Clothing, Fashion Lab, Icon Live, Danilo, Factory Entertainment, Gear4 & Lucky Voice and Premium Factory. In addition, existing licensees Aykroyds, Halsall Toys International, Brand International and Clarity Vision are extending their relationships with FME.

The new partnerships underline the brand strengths and popularity of The X Factor for all ages in the UK, as well as FME’s continuing success and strength as a licensor. Licensee highlights include Fashion Lab’s exclusive range of clothing for George , Lucky Voice’s The X Factor branded party pack (an instant karaoke for PC’s and laptops including a microphone and mixing deck), and Icon’s new range of jewellery and fashion accessories for to name a few.

Pindy O'Brien, VP Brand Licensing & Retail, UK, FME, commented, “FME’s experience and accomplishments as a licensor allows us to take this brand further and continue to give fans in the UK market even more ways to engage with The X Factor across a range of products. We are extremely excited to see The X Factor brand extend even further off-screen.”

The X Factor, co-produced by FremantleMedia company talkbackTHAMES and Simon Cowell’s Syco TV, began in September 2004 in the UK and has proven a massive global success. Local versions are produced in 19 countries and the X Factor is set to launch in the United States in 2011. A panel of expert judges from the music industry preside over initial auditions, with audience votes coming into play during the later live shows featuring the selected contestants in four distinct categories, one assigned to each of the four judges (14-24 year old boys, 14-24 year old girls, over 25s and groups). The X Factor is open to all ages, all styles, solo acts or groups.