18:18 11 May 2015
Nick Grimshaw is poised to join the X Factor replacing Louis Walsh on the judging panel. Simon Cowell hopes the move will freshen up the ITV show and keep up with rival Strictly come Dancing.
A BBC source said: “Grimmy is one of the most well connected men in showbiz and will make a brilliant judge. It’s clear Cowell’s hope is that he will attract new viewers and artists to the show.
“He feels fresher and more relevant than some of the previous judges.
“Louis has been a great servant to the show but he is out of touch now compared to up and coming stars like Grimmy. The hope is Grimmy can come in and Louis will leave.”
Reports say that the deal to sign Grimmy is worth up to £1million.
The source said: “There are complications because Grimmy has a Radio 1 contract with the BBC and will be working for ITV too.
“But everyone seems confident something can be worked out.
"The BBC will have mixed emotions. On one hand, he will be on ITV, on the other, it will raise the profile even more of his breakfast show on Radio 1.”