ITV, Syco extend partnership

UK broadcaster ITV has signed a five-year commissioning deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and Fremantle’s Thames.

Kevin Lygo

The deal means popular formats like Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, which are jointly produced by Syco Entertainment and Thames, will continue to appear exclusively on ITV until at least 2024.

The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent have been running on ITV for 15 years and 13 years, respectively.

Simon Cowell said: “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 the mutual respect in our partnership.

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s director of television, 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.”