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Simon Cowell signs deal to produce more ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘X Factor’ series

Simon Cowell attending X Factor filming at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool. (Photo by Jon Super/PA Images via Getty Images)
Simon Cowell is gearing up to produce five more series of 'Britain's Got Talent' and one more of long-running reality show 'The X Factor' (Photo by Jon Super/PA Images via Getty Images)

Simon Cowell has signed a deal with ITV that will keep Britain’s Got Talent on television screens until 2024.

The variety-based competition is set to air five series during that time. Meanwhile, despite its diminishing ratings, the broadcaster has also renewed at least one more season of The X Factor, as it confirms the long-running reality show will return next year.

Read more: Simon Cowell cancels 60th birthday party at last minute to focus on work

In a prepared statement, the music mogul said he was “thrilled” to continue maintaining a relationship with ITV for the “foreseeable future” and that its “long-term commitment” to both shows demonstrates to him that it respects its partnership with him.

“I would, of course, like to thank Carolyn (McCall, ITV's chief executive) and Kevin (Lygo, ITV's Director of Television) for their ongoing support plus all the teams at ITV, Syco and Thames for their hard work and dedication,” he concluded.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Stephen Mulhern, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly during the 'Britain's Got Talent' Manchester photocall at The Lowry on February 06, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)
Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Stephen Mulhern, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly are all a part of the 'Britain's Got Talent' family (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)

Lygo added: “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.”

In 2019, Cowell has been trying to restore The X Factor to its former glory, changing up the format and producing spin-off shows such as The X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band.

Simon Cowell attending X Factor filming at Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane, London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)
In 2010, 'The X Factor' was pulling in an average of 14 million viewers during each episode (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)

The former, which saw Ex on the Beach star Megan McKenna beat out the likes of Glee actor Kevin McHale, journalist Martin Bashir and The Chase quizzer Jenny Ryan, pulled in just 2.95 million viewers during its first live show - the lowest in The X Factor’s 15-year run.

X Factor: The Band - which sees young hopefuls try to earn a place in either a girl group or a boy band - hasn’t fared much better. Its opener, which aired on Monday 9 December, started with 4.12 million viewers but ended with 3.13m.

Read more: Dannii Minogue almost quit showbusiness over 'X Factor' rows stress

Britain’s Got Talent’s most recent final, on the other hand, raked in 9.7 million viewers.

At its most popular in 2010, The X Factor would pull in an average of 14 million watchers.

X Factor: The Band continues tomorrow (Friday 13 December) at 8:30pm on ITV.