Simon Cowell quits X Factor!

Simon Cowell

After weeks of speculation, bosses at ITV today announced the news, which will send shockwaves across the die-hard fan community of the reality show, who rely on Cowell for a weekly fix of his acerbic wit and hardline views on the singing wannabes.
The broadcaster has attempted to play down the news, which comes as the show’s main attraction bids to launch ‘The X Factor’ in America. However, with fellow judge Cheryl Cole also edging towards the exit door, this clearly presents a serious challenge to the award and ratings-winning pop powerhouse.
“We have been in constant negotiations with Simon as to how we can move forward and help ‘The X Factor’ evolve,” said ITV chief Peter Fincham. “We have been aware that his on screen involvement will not be as great as previous years and it is something we are comfortable with.
“We are talking to him about ways we can have an on screen presence later in the show. He will not be a weekly judge but he will be an enormous presence backstage as always,” said Fincham in a statement.
The company’s director of television insists that there has been no fall-out with the music mogul, who has also quit a similar role on the UK version of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, which kicked-off this weekend without him.
“I constantly hear we are in crisis but in reality we have an amazingly constructive relationship with Simon and are very much reading from the same page,” said Fincham, insisting rumours he had pleaded with Cowell to stay as a full-time judge “makes me smile”.
It is currently unclear exactly what Simon’s role will be on the 8th series of ‘The X Factor’.  The US version is due to begin screening in September, a month before the traditional start date in the UK, but confusion continues to surround the judging panels for both.
The futures of Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh are thought to be secure but Cole is still said to be in the running to make the move to America, thanks to ongoing pressure from Cowell. She has reportedly been told by Fox TV executives that they are ready to take a chance on a relative unknown.
Meanwhile, Ozzy Osbourne is the latest name in the frame for the British series. He joins Noel Gallagher, Lily Allen, Gary Barlow, The Saturdays’ Frankie Sandford and Mel B in being linked with the role, four years after wife Sharon left the programme.
“Ozzy would be a controversial choice but he can really bring something different to the show. Sharon was a big hit and we think Ozzy can do well too,” said a source. The Black Sabbath frontman is in the running despite openly criticising ‘The X Factor’, which he once said is “killing music to make light entertainment

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