"The X Factor" to hit the London stage

Simon Cowell is bringing "The X Factor" -- or a version of it -- from television screens to the London stage in early 2014.

The acerbic judge's firm, Syco Entertainment, is co-producing a musical spoof written by Harry Hill and directed by Sean Foley about the popular televised singing contest.

Syco and Stage Entertainment say that "X Factor - It's Time to Face the Musical!" will be an "affectionate poke" at the talent show.

The firms said Friday that the show will include 19 new songs, and that casting and the theater have yet to be confirmed.

"The X Factor" launched in Britain in 2004 and in the U.S. in fall 2011. The members of One Direction got their start on the U.K. version.

The TV edition of the U.S. "X Factor" continues to undergo changes. Britney Spears announced she was leaving, and reportssay co-host Khloe Kardashian won't return for the new season.

Cowell recently announced an online singing contest where entrants can upload their pieces on a YouTube channel.