Richard Holloway the executive producer behind X Factor and Britian's Got Talent for FremantleMedia U.K.'s production firm Thames, told a Royal Television Society Futures event in London "Nothing lasts forever", when asked how much longer ITV singing competition X Factor could air, adding that there was no entertainment program without a life span.
Acknowledging that the X Factor's overnight ratings have declined again this year, but emphasized that "viewing habits have changed enormously, especially in the last couple of years ... we all got to appreciate that and kind of consider it more." He said media coverage was still often obsessed with overnight data, even though that does not fully show the "true story" as on-demand viewing was bigger nowadays.
Talking about working with Simon Cowell, he said: "It's been a really good relationship" and "fantastic collaboration" with him. "It's a give-and-take relationship," even though he said he doesn't always agree where the two end up in debates.
He called Cowell "unbelievably charismatic," "obsessive," "controlling," "inventive," "creative" and "sometimes difficult, always approachable." Concluded the producer: "I love working with him."
Describing the differences between the two big entertainment shows, Holloway said X Factor was "quite intense" and "pretty full on," while BGT was more fun.
Speaking about the show he said 'X Factor"will have a finite life span. But I think you then rest it, then you bring it back."
However, Britian's Got Talent looks safe to continue for sometime yet. Holloway said it was a "more engaged format" than other hit shows in the U.K., such as the BBC's The Great British Bake Off. "I think it could run for many, many years. It's our most profitable show,"
