ITV chief exec denies 'X Factor' troubles

ITV chief executive Adam Crozier has dismissed reports that the 2011 series of The X Factor could be in danger.

It has been claimed that show boss Simon Cowell was at war with the broadcaster, but Crozier told The Guardian that the three-year deal with Syco co-producer Fremantle Media still stood.

Crozier said: "I understand why this is such a sexy story, for want of a better word, but our relationship with Syco has never been stronger; we have struck the first long-term deal for BGT and X Factor.

"I can absolutely confirm for any avoidance of doubt that BGT will appear in the spring and X Factor in the autumn."

Regarding Cowell potentially stepping down from the judging panel to join the US port of the show, Crozier explained: "We are not due to make decisions on X Factor yet for a couple of months, there are a number of options."

Of claims that ITV had passed on Cowell's idea for a Top Of The Pops-style show, Crozier added that ITV Studios and Syco are working on further programme ideas and that one could potentially be launched during 2011.