Simon Cowell announces move to kids TV

Virgin Radio

30 Sep 2021, 10:04

The former X Factor judge has announced plans to create a new children’s cartoon series.

X Factor media mogul Simon Cowell has recently announced his plans to pivot into children’s TV.

Cowell and his son Eric, 7, have created their very own kids book series called Wishfits. The books are set to be published by publishing house Hatchette. Speaking of the books, Simon said “I have absolutely loved working on Wishfits with Eric.”

“My favourite children’s books are full of imagination, creativity, positive messaging and most of all, are fun! I’m really looking forward to this.”

Recently he has announced plans to create an animated series based on the books. Simon is a longtime fan of children’s animation, and has said he still watches shows like Scooby Doo and The Flintstones.

The Wishfits features a series of hybrid animals that are half one thing and half another. As Cowell explains it, “You can have half a dog and half a snail which is called a Snog.” Other Wishfits included the Polarbat, half polar bear half bat, and the Frogephant, half frog and half elephant.

A statement on Cowell’s website says the story features the creatures “forming unlikely friendships and finding strengths in their differences. The books convey a message of positivity and inclusivity and are aimed at 3-to-5-year-olds.”

Cowell has often said it is his dream for his son Eric to one day take over his media empire. He adds that for now “He’s a little bit young at the ­moment, at seven.”

This move into children’s programming comes after the July announcement that the X Faftor has been cancelled after a nearly two decade run. In July a TV source said that "in truth the last few years it has struggled and no new judge or tweak in format has helped. Ratings have got lower and lower and bringing it back is seen as too big a risk.”

An ITV spokesman confirmed in a statement: “There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage."