Simon Cowell might be feeling a little smug after his company Syco Entertainment has signed a five-year deal with ITV.
The agreement extends ITV’s successful and long-standing relationship with Simon Cowell and Thames for a further five years, which will see him and his shows appear exclusively on the channel until at least 2024.
The music mogul’s new show X Factor: The Band launched earlier this week and despite ratings taking a nose-dive, ITV will be bringing back X Factor next year.
According to The Sun, during its first episode on Monday night, the show was averaging an audience of 2.75 million, yet just 90 minutes in, the figures had dipped at 1.68 million, decreasing by a third.
However, the partnership will ensure Britain’s Got Talent continues on ITV until 2024 and also sees The X Factor return in 2020 –
Simon Cowell exclaimed he was ‘thrilled’ about the news.
‘I am thrilled our relationship with ITV is to continue for the foreseeable future. ITV has always been home to Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor – and me! – and this long-term commitment shows mutual respect in our partnership,’ he explained.
‘I would, of course, like to thank Carolyn and Kevin for their ongoing support plus all the teams at ITV, Syco, and thames for their hard work and dedication.’
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television continued: ‘We are delighted to have secured Simon for another five years with ITV.
‘His track record speaks for itself. He creates shows that bring the nation together, celebrating the talent and diversity of modern Britain and giving ordinary people with extraordinary talent the chance to find fame.’
Amelia Brown, Managing Director Thames added: ‘The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent are shows full of heart, enjoyed by the whole family. Both celebrate talent of all kinds, from all walks of life and after 15 and 13 years respectively, we’re proud to make programmes which are much-loved staples of the ITV schedule.
‘We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with the network to bring these shows into people’s homes across the UK.’
X Factor: The Band airs on Friday at 8.30pm on ITV.
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