Fox is courting The X-Factor‘s Simon Cowell for a new reality show collaboration.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Simon Cowell is considering a return to U.S. television.
Fox TV Group chairmen and CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman have allegedly traveled to London to negotiate with Cowell, and are hoping to develop a series which would put Cowell back on our screens.
The notorious British reality competition judge was last seen on the American version of The X-Factor, which was cancelled after its third, low-rated season.
Since the show wrapped in 2013, Cowell has been working as a producer on America’s Got Talent.
In a Rolling Stone interview released in October, Cowell expressed hope that The X-Factor could make a comeback.
“There’s a reason it produces so many stars, unlike the other shows,” Cowell said of his X-Factor programmes. “It doesn’t rely on gimmicks: a spinning chair, or a wall going up and down. I genuinely do believe it’s the best format.”
Considering that the British version of The X-Factor has churned out wonders like One Direction, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs, we can see where he’s coming from.
But is Fox really hoping to persuade Cowell to bring back The X-Factor in America? Surely after only a year off the air, the chances of a rebooted X-Factor boosting the network’s falling ratings are slim.
More likely they are looking for a new project, a talent competition in the style of Cowell’s usual ventures.