Simon Fuller speaks out about Idol vs X Factor

Simon Fuller speaks out about Idol vs X Factor
Simon Fuller speaks out about Idol vs X Factor (Image credit: Ken McKay)

American Idol boss Simon Fuller has claimed that the US version of the X Factor won't threaten his show. Simon Cowell announced earlier this month that he was set to leave Idol to help launch X Factor in America. Fuller told The Mirror: “I want Idol to be purely about talent. We’re not going to be led into the mud, we’re going to stay on our hill.” “I have integrity about music and believe talent that comes out of Idol is legitimate.” Fuller also criticised Britain's Got Talent and the success of runner up Subo. He said: “The Susan Boyle phenomenon is not based on anything but the bizarre.” Fuller has claimed that the conflict between himself and Cowell was 'grossly exaggerated' but a source told the paper that the rivalry 'could get very messy'. The insider said: “Fuller has got brains and instinct but has the personality of a wet weekend in Hastings. Cowell has the lot.”

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.