Simon Cowell ruled out of UK X Factor judging role

X FACTOR producer Simon Cowell will not be an onscreen weekly judge on the new series of the show, according to ITV1 director Peter Fincham.

The level of Cowell's involvement has been a source of speculation since it emerged that the UK show will start within weeks of the US version, in which Cowell will feature.

Mr Fincham said discussions continue over how the celebrity could have an on-screen presence later in the show.

"He will not be a weekly judge, but he will be an enormous presence backstage, as always," said Mr Fincham.

An ITV spokesman said the company was "completely comfortable" with a reduced on-screen role for Cowell.

He said: "Our focus remains on ensuring that The X Factor continues to evolve and we have been in constant discussions with Simon and the rest of the team about ways in which we can achieve that aim."

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks as to who will be picked as judges to appear on the popular programme this year, with reports that Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh will continue on the UK show while fellow judge Cheryl Cole has been touted for a move to the US version.