There has been much speculation about the future of the X Factor in the UK, after Simon Cowell announced that he would be launching a US version in autumn 2011.

ITV’s reality talent series normally kicks off in August and runs right through until the Christmas period. However it is being reported that Simon Cowell is trying to convince the channel to move their series to January 2012, allowing him to concentrate on the American version in the autumn.

A source close to Cowell told the Daily Mirror: ‘He wants to stay in the UK as well as his American deal, but he can’t be in two places at once.

‘The only real option is for one of the shows to shift.”

ITV are still keen to keep their slot, with Cowell possibly commuting between the two continents but if the music mogul puts his foot down, they will be forced to make the move. The best thing about that scenario would of course be that the winner could no longer make their play for Christmas number one, we may even see Cliff Richard back at the top spot!