The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent have lost one of their original executive producers

The X Factor could be set for a major shake-up after one of the show’s masterminds announced he is to leave production company Thames.

Renowned television boss Richard Holloway has been an executive producer of The X Factor and sister show Britain’s Got Talent since they originally launched, in 2004 and 2007 respectively.

However, Holloway’s association with both is to end after he quit his role as managing director of Thames, which co-produces the talent contests with creator Simon Cowell’s firm Syco.

According to the Mirror, he will be replaced by Amelia Brown, who also currently works on BGT.

The newspaper claims Cowell supports the staffing shake-up after becoming frustrated with a reluctance to introduce ‘daring’ new twists to The X Factor.

Both he and ITV entertainment commissioner Siobhan Greene are said to regard Brown as an “innovator”.

Commenting on his departure, Holloway said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been at the helm of Thames at a time when we created some of the most genre-defining shows in the history of British television and helped define the cultural zeitgeist for an entire generation.

“Thames is a wonderfully special place, bursting with creativity and talent. Sad as I am to be stepping down, I’m looking forward to embracing the many exciting challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Holloway infamously found himself at the centre of an X Factor scandal during its ninth series in 2012, when he was seen talking to judge Louis Walsh on stage during a live results episode.

Walsh sent that night’s result to Deadlock, prompting the elimination of Carolynne Poole over so-called ‘joke’ act Rylan Clark-Neal.

Afterwards, Holloway denied telling the judges how to vote, insisting he’d only informed them of the order they would vote in.

Holloway has had a five-decade career in the TV industry, with his other credits including iconic shows such as Spitting Image, Blankety Blank and The Price Is Right.