ITV has confirmed that Simon Cowell will not be returning as a judge on the UK X Factor. The statement follows a whirlwind of speculation that the music mogul would split his time between the US and the UK so that he could be a judge on both TV shows. However ITV are still in talks with the charismatic (and ratings winner) Cowell in the hope that he might have ‘an on-screen presence’ later in the series.
Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television, said: ‘’We have been in negotiations with Simon about ways in which we can help The X Factor evolve. He will be an enormous presence backstage as always.’’
Fincham added: 'We have been aware that his on-screen involvement in this series will not be as great as previous years for months now. It is something that we are completely comfortable with.'
