Fox drops 'Simple Life', but show continues

US network Fox has decided not to go ahead with a fourth season of The Simple Life.

The future of the oddball reality show had been questionable since a much-publicised bust-up between Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie earlier this year. Eventually the pair were forced into shooting a fourth season, albeit separately: original plans would have tracked the pair in the build-up to their respective weddings.

Now that Paris has split from fiancé Paris Lastis, however, it seems that Fox has had a change of heart. "In January we have to accommodate two and a half hours of new programming with 24 and American Idol, " the network said in a statement. "We also have completed episodes of both scripted and unscripted series in the wings... Collectively, we did not see a place for 'The Simple Life' on our schedule this season."

Despite the knockback, production firm Bunim/Murray is pressing ahead; NBC and The WB are thought to be interested in picking the show up. "We have a hit series starring two of the most written-about women in the world," said a spokesman. "[We're] confident this situation will be remedied quickly."