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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Casey Cooper-Fiske

ITV boss admits X-Factor only existed so channel could keep Simon Cowell

Claudia Rosencrantz, the influential former ITV entertainment controller, has made a surprising revelation: she commissioned The X Factor primarily to secure Simon Cowell's continued presence at the broadcaster, despite her personal disdain for the show's format.

The 66-year-old admitted her strong preference for its predecessor, Pop Idol, during a new Magic Radio documentary, Popstars At 25: The Story Of A Talent Show Revolution.

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