ITV to air 'Britain's Got Talent,' 'The X Factor' through 2019

LONDON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- ITV says it has inked a new deal with Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia U.K. to keep Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor on the British network through 2019.

The next edition of Britain's Got Talent will air this spring, while The X Factor will return with fresh episodes in the autumn of 2017.

"Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor are both big, brilliant, wonderful shows and I am delighted that they will continue to take up their place as an important part of our schedule for the next three years," Kevin Lygo, ITV's director of television, said in a statement. "They are defining shows for us, ones that we are very proud to have as part of our entertainment slate, and they continue year after year, for months at a time, to be amongst the most popular and hugely entertaining formats on television."

"I want to thank ITV for continuing to be fantastic partners. I'm delighted for the shows and, in particular, for all the talented people who work on them with us," added producer and judge Simon Cowell.