US network Fox has announced that it’s renewing the US version of The X Factor for a third series. The news comes after rumours had circulated that the Simon Cowell spinoff was set to be axed from the schedules.

The series, which airs on ITV2 in the UK, has had a bumpy ride since its first foray across the Atlantic. Cheryl Cole was infamously cut from the show after American audiences claimed that they couldn’t understand her accent; the Girls Aloud star was then replaced by Nicole Scherzinger who was herself axed alongside fellow judge Paula Abdul at the end of the first series. However, a major overhaul, which has seen Britney Spears and Demi Lovato join the judging panel, has helped to reverse the show’s fortunes attracting more than 10.6 million viewers to the second series.

Simon Cowell said he “couldn’t be happier” about The X Factor being signed on for another season. “I am so proud of the show and the team who have made it this season. Our main commitment will always be to find great talent, and let's not forget, we are now days away from our first live shows. The gloves are off! Expect fireworks!”

The news will be something of a disappointment for ITV bosses who might have hoped to see Cowell return to the UK had his US venture been axed. Since leaving the ITV show two years ago, the channel has seen viewing figures dwindle for the weekend stalwart, which has now fallen more than a million viewers behind BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in the battle for Saturday night supremacy.