Cowell unhappy with Sunday 'X Factor' plans

Simon Cowell is at loggerheads with ITV over the network's plans to shift the X Factor results show to Sunday night.

The change would see X Factor airing on both Saturdays and Sundays when the live shows begin. The BBC used the technique successfully with the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing last year.

While ITV are keen to save money by pre-recording the results on Saturday night, Cowell believes that the show would lose its magic if it did not go out live.

A show insider told The Sun: "We can see it from both sides. Of course, it's going to look better live. With the X Factor, anything can happen - that's the beauty of the show. The rumour is now that it will either go live on Sundays or stay as a Saturday show."

Show chiefs are currently looking for a new judge after Sharon Osbourne announced that she had quit yesterday.