-
ITV bosses are considering postponing 'The X Factor' until January 2012.
Show chief Simon Cowell is expected to miss this year's competition as the live stages, which take place in the autumn, will run at the same time as the finals in the new US version of the show, and with him expected to be joined on the Stateside panel by current UK judge Cheryl Cole, bosses are determined to do whatever they can to keep the pair involved in the series.
However, changing the transmission period could cause havoc for the entire network.
A source said: "ITV is looking at a range of options to keep Cheryl and Simon. But changing dates would play havoc with ITV's schedule and the auditions have already begun."
Despite being an early favourite to land the judging role, it has recently been claimed that Cheryl will be sidelined in favour of a major US star such as Mariah Carey or Nicole Scherzinger, but insiders insist that is not the case.
One source told the News of the World newspaper: "Simon's never been afraid of putting a Brit on the panel. He did it with Piers Morgan on 'America's Got Talent' and now he's one of the biggest names in the States.
"Cheryl will be just as successful. The Yanks are going to love her!"
The Parachute' hitmaker is said to be staying with 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest - who is dating Julianne Hough, the sister of Cheryl's rumoured boyfriend Derek Hough - to prepare for the US 'X Factor'.
An insider said: "Who better to go to for tips on being a judge than Ryan? He's helped make 'American Idol' a huge, huge show."
Meanwhile, Welsh presenter Steve Jones has revealed he is still in the running to present the US talent contest.
He said: "I don't know if I'll get it, but I'm a serious contender.
"I've known Simon Cowell for quite some time. He likes me; we connect."
His comments come days after current UK host Dermot O'Leary claimed he had missed out on the job, but had been the only Brit to make the shortlist.
(C) BANG Media International
-
Konnie Huq will not return as host for The Xtra Factor this year, it has been confirmed.
The former Blue Peter presenter, who expected to return to the show, has been reportedly axed by ITV bosses, the Daily Mail understands.
The star's manager said: "Konnie Huq will not be doing Xtra Factor this year. She is going to be doing a big TV show on Discovery for America and Asia, the dates for which also clashed with Xtra Factor."
Meanwhile, Huq confessed: "I loved doing Xtra Factor. It was so exciting. But I also cannot wait to start filming my new show for Discovery in China."
An ITV spokesperson stated: "We thank Konnie for her contribution to The Xtra Factor and wish her all the very best for the future."
Matt Edmondson, Laura Hamilton, Jeff Brazier, Georgie Thompson and Stacey Solomon have all been linked to the now-vacant position.
DS
-
-
Lionel Richie has been linked to a role on the UK version of The X Factor.
According to a report in The Sun, the 'Hello' star has joined a list of possible new judges - should Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole decide not to return to the panel.
Cowell's position has remained unclear since it was confirmed that he would launch the competition in America later this year - running at the same time as the ITV1 competition. Meanwhile, Cole is still waiting to find out if she will appear on the US edition.
"It has reached crunch time as we need to start announcing the UK judges," a source told the paper.
Richie is the latest name said to be under consideration to replace Cowell. Lily Allen and Gary Barlow have both been tipped to appear, while Robbie Williams reportedly turned down a £2 million offer to join the show.
Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh are said to be awaiting contracts after apparently being told that they would have to apply for their positions again.
Cowell has reportedly returned to the UK and is said to be holding meetings with ITV bosses today.
-
X Factor bosses are planning to axe Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh from the show, a report has claimed.
The pair, who had previously been told that they would need to reapply for their jobs, will allegedly get the boot to make way for a brand new judging panel.
According to the News of the World, Cheryl Cole will not judge the singing competition this year, nor will Simon Cowell - despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.
Lily Allen, Sharon Osbourne, Michael Buble, Lionel Richie and Ronan Keating are all said to be in the running to join the programme, while the likes of Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow will serve as guest judges. However, ITV execs are reportedly worried about the producers making such radical changes.
"If Simon and the other show bosses get their way this will be the most dramatic shake-up in X Factor history," a source said. "The producers are very excited by the idea of the show being entirely fresh.
"There is a view that Louis and Dannii are a bit tired and have offered all they can, especially Louis. But they'll be shocked to hear they may not be wanted. ITV is already taking a massive gamble by going ahead without Simon or Cheryl.
"Dispensing of Dannii and Louis would be madness.Viewers love Dannii especially. Simon has never understood how popular she is. It's important she is there, and for viewers to have a sense of familiarity."
Cowell will apparently make occasional appearances on the show, both via satellite and in person, and will be on the panel for the final. Dermot O'Leary will return as host.
Getting fed up with all those reports of who allegedly will be or won't be in this show :angry:
-
Me too Perdy... I think they should just get me, Katy, Monnie and Alan (he can be the Simon ) and we would sort it all out (keeping all the hotties for me)
-
I completely agree Shiv but can I at least have a couple of hotties?? You can be Alan's favourite and sit next to him but then I have to get the better wardrode (you know the one that hides tummys and bums hahahaha).
-
Auditions for the UK version of The X Factor have apparently been 'postponed indefinitely', despite try-outs being due to start in two weeks time.
According to the Daily Star, ITV have been trying to come to an agreement with Simon Cowell whereby he will still participate on the programme, even though he is currently concentrating on launching a new US version of the talent show.
The newspaper hints that ITV are concerned Simon's absence will affect ratings and are therefore doing all they can to ensure his presence on the UK version.
Word is, auditions for the UK show were due to start on April 26 but have now been put back until May or June, with the eighth series not set to air until January 2012.
Meanwhile, judges Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh are apparently set to return to the panel, while Cheryl Cole's presence is still not known following rumours she is to be a judge on the US version.
According to numerous reports, Robbie Williams and Noel Gallagher have both turned down offers to be on the UK judging panel, while Gary Barlow and Lily Allen are thought to still be in the running.
ITN
-
You know what if Simon and Cheryl are not sure if they're returning fudge them. Bring back Dannii and put Robbie or Gary and Nicole in their place. I'm sick of all this time wasting either their doing it or not.
-
Ah but Chloe then it wouldn't stay in the news!!
