Simon Cowell may be called back to rescue UK 'X Factor

Bosses of reality show The X Factor are said to be considering bringing back Simon Cowell to the UK version of the show after rival Strictly Come Dancing closed the ratings gap.

According to the Sunday night’s TV ratings, the ITV1 singing contest had lost 2.5 million viewers, and showed BBC1’s Strictly pulling in almost 10 million viewers against the X Factor’s 11.1 million.

Strictly emerged victorious when the two shows went head-to-head at the 8.15pm slot, gaining more than one million more viewers when the two shows overlapped for the second week running.

Show bosses are now anxious to boost the TV series after losing out on the huge viewership.

Cowell, 52, who is also executive producer on the show, has even had to reassure judge Louis Walsh that his job on the X Factor judging panel was secure.

There were claims that the Irishman would to be dropped and the TV magnate would replace him.

“Simon’s not worried, the show is still pulling in millions of viewers and there’s no need to panic. And these claims Louis is getting the elbow are utter nonsense,” the Daily Express quoted an insider as saying.