08 March 2023 , 22:25
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Simon Cowell is reportedly having talks with Channel 5 about future projects, with it suggested that he could "turn his back" on ITV for the rival broadcaster moving forward.
The TV producer, 63, has worked on a number of projects for ITV over the last two decades, including talent shows such as the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent (BGT).
He is currently working on the sixteenth series of BGT, which is set to air later this year. And it's been claimed that he is contracted to be head judge on the show until 2025.
It's now reported that he could move to rival broadcaster Channel 5 for other projects. It's teased he could develop new shows or even revive the likes of the X Factor.
Simon Cowell is best known for appearing on shows like the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent (ITV)Discussing the possibility, a source told the Sun that it would be a "huge move" for Simon, who has carved out a career in TV through the likes of the X Factor and BGT on ITV.
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The source further commented: "It would effectively see him turn his back on ITV after two decades which has seen him deliver them two of their biggest hits.
"There's a strong sense that one chapter is ending and another beginning and Channel 5 are keen to be a part of that. But they'd need to nail down a seven-figure contract to seal the deal to bring him across."
He's reportedly in talks to work on future projects with Channel 5 (PA)Simon reportedly met with Ben Frow - who is director of programming at Channel 5 - earlier this week. They're said to have been discussing possible projects for months.
It wouldn't be the first time that Simon has worked with broadcasters other than ITV. His show The Greatest Dancer was broadcast by the BBC from 2019 to 2020.
And international versions of his projects are broadcast on networks abroad, with America's Got Talent, for example, having aired on NBC since it launched back in 2006.
He filmed BGT auditions alongside fellow judges Bruno Tonioli (left), Alesha Dixon (centre left) and Amanda Holden (centre right) earlier this year (WireImage)Auditions for the latest series of the UK version, BGT, began earlier this year at The London Palladium. The upcoming series is set to return to screens on ITV later this year.
Simon is a judge on BGT alongside Alesha Dixon, 44, and Amanda Holden, 52. They're joined by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, 67, for the new series.
Channel 5 declined to comment.