X-Factor USA cancelled after Simon Cowell leaves show

The US version of The X Factor has been cancelled by television network Fox after three series.

This followed the decision by its founder Simon Cowell to give up his role as a judge on the US show to take that role on the UK version. Fox, already peeved that the show was struggling in the ratings against The Voice and American Idol, threw up its hands when Cowell declined to commute to Los Angeles to do the show.

Rather, he plans to fly between London and New York to be with his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, who’s expecting their baby shortly.

Fox Broadcasting Company chairman of entertainment Kevin Reilly said: "To all of us at Fox, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time - he’s part of our family. Unfortunately, there is no X Factor USA without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life."

X Factor USA has also suffered in that its winners – Melanie Amaro, Tate Stevens, and Alex & Sierra – have failed to break into the big time.

In comparison, the UK version has unearthed global hit makers One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Olly Murs, JLS and Little Mix. Its eleventh series, with Cowell in one of the judge’s seats, will return later this year.

Cowell wrote on Twitter, “Today was a day of mixed emotions. Excited to confirm me returning to the UK X Factor and sad to leave America.”