Well it’s officially official, officially. Simon Cowell will not return to ITV’s X Factor UK in the same capacity as prior years so he can come on over here to America to focus on X Factor USA. MTV UK confirmed the news:

ITV Director of Television Peter Fincham confirmed that Cowell would have a reduced role so he could concentrate on The X Factor USA.

“We have been in constant negotiations with Simon about ways in which we can move things forward and help The X Factor evolve. We have been aware that his on-screen involvement in this series will not be as great as previous years for months now,” he admitted.

It’s been the rumor for awhile, but at least we know for sure. This should be a big boost for the US version as we know we’ll have Simon’s full attention.

Also of note from the MTV article is that Cheryl Cole could get replaced by Mel B. on the UK version. Initially that sounds like she’d need replacing because she’s coming over here, but instead she is going back to “Blighty.” I had no idea what that meant, but Google says it’s slang for Britain. If Cheryl is planning to spend more time in Britain then that certainly wouldn’t put her out in Los Angeles to be a judge. Hmm…

Source: MTV UK


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