Cowell won't judge British 'X Factor'

LONDON, April 18 (UPI) -- Simon Cowell will no longer serve as a judge on the British version of the singing competition series, "The X Factor," ITV said.

Cowell will remain a producer on the show and will have "an enormous presence backstage" when its next season starts this summer, the BBC reported.

The former "American Idol" panelist also is to act as judge and producer of the U.S. edition of "X Factor," which is due to premiere in September.

In addition to Cowell, record producer LA Reid will be a judge on the U.S. version of the show. Who might also serve alongside them as judges has not been confirmed.

The BBC said ITV has not announced the names of any judges for the British edition yet.