Cowell hints at X Factor exit for the US
Simon Cowell is considering leaving the X Factor
SIMON Cowell has revealed he is considering leaving the 'X Factor' after the current series to focus on its US counterpart, which begins in September next year.
Reacting to the multi-millionaire Cowell's announcement, 'X Factor' winner Alexandra Burke, said that she welcomed the chance for the talent show to "try something new".
Cowell is one of the most influential people in showbiz and American Idol is one of the biggest ratings toppers on network TV coast to coast.
Burke, who won the ITV1 competition in 2008, said it would be "weird" for the series to continue without Cowell but that she understood why he might want to move on.
Mr Cowell, in an interview with a British newspaper, said: "At the moment, you are going to see me doing one show next year -- and not one in England. I have a contract for this year and that is it."
Reacting to Mr Cowell's remarks, Burke said: "It's hard to really say when you don't know the facts of it and when you don't know if it's completely true, but I say it's always nice to maybe try something new.
"I come from that show so to have Simon Cowell not be there would definitely be weird, so to speak." Mr Cowell suggested that filming both shows would be impossible unless the UK version of The 'X Factor' started later than usual. His comments throw doubt on whether he will return to 'Britain's Got Talent', the ITV1 talent show which has launched stars including Susan Boyle and Diversity.
It is not the first time he spoke of moving on from the shows. Stars sometimes discuss the possibility of leaving programmes as a lever when they are about to renegotiate their contracts.
- Lisa Williams in London
Irish Independent
