The X Factor British talent shows

Company Syco Entertainment.

The company was founded as Pearson Television British Talent Shows in 1993. On 23 April 1993, Pearson plc bought Thames Television, which had been one of the "Big Five" franchisees in the ITV network from 1968 to 1992, and, as an independent production company, was continuing to produce many shows for ITV and other broadcasters. Thames became the first division of Pearson Television, and Pearson gained the rights to Thames programmes like The Benny Hill Show. Leona Lewis was born in London in 1985 and is a singer and songwriter. She began writing music at the age of 13. Her worldwide breakthrough came in 2006 when she won the third series of the British talent show "X Factor". Lewis participated in the third series of "The X Factor" in 2006, singing "Over the Rainbow" for the show's host Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, and guest judge Paula Abdul. She was placed in the 16-24 year old category, with Cowell as her mentor. In the summer of 2006, Lewis participated in an audition for the third series of the talent show The X Factor. Supported by the show's host, Simon-Cowell, she made it to the final show on December 16, 2006.