Cowell demands £3m increase in 'X-Factor' budget

Simon Cowell wants the 'X Factor' budget to be increased by £3m (€3.32m).

Simon Cowell wants the 'X Factor' budget to be increased by £3m (€3.32m).

The music mogul is planning a revamp of the popular ITV1 talent show and has asked station chiefs to allow him to spend £2m (€2.21m) on each of the 10 live shows - which make up the final stage of the competition - instead of last year's £1.7m (€1.88m).

A source said: "Simon has said he will sign a new deal for the show but the details must be right. It's about making the show better each year."

Producer Richard Holloway has already revealed "major changes" will be considered at a meeting about the show scheduled to take place in two week's time.

He told Broadcast magazine: "We'll be talking about what changes we need to make and looking at the future of the show.

"We've got some interesting production elements planned. We're really trying to move it on this year so people will notice the change.

"There will always be a talent show, you just have to keep ahead of the game."

Holloway also admitted that they will be examining the possibility of altering the judging panel - currently made up of Simon, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue, who is pregnant with her first child.

He said: "Everything is on the agenda, from cast changes to which cities hold auditions. It's about maintaining the excitement of the live shows and keeping them ahead of the game."

A source added: "No-one is safe, apart from Simon."

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