Simon Cowell is reportedly leaving the US X Factor.
The music mogul is said to be very concerned about low ratings for the show, and thinks leaving will prevent it from being cancelled.
Ratings for the Tuesday night live show were just 4.8 million, while the UK version gets double that. As Simon’s salary is apparently to be one of the major costs, his departure could save the show.
“Simon leaving the show would allow a cheaper panel to be introduced – and give him the time to be reunited with the British show,” a source tells UK newspaper The Sun.
“People have talked as if it’s all over for the US X Factor but that’s not the case at all. It is true that ratings are down but it still does well with younger viewers. If it was to come back next year it would have a lower budget.
Simon is clearly not ready to give up, insisting if the show is improved it has a chance. He also believes other talent shows are copying X Factor, making it harder for viewers to tell the difference between them.
“It just makes you work harder,” Simon told Parade magazine. “There are way too many talent shows on TV, and they all start to look the same, which is why we’ve made distinct changes, like the new Four Chair Challenge round. The only way you get out of a rut is to make the show better."
