Andrew Lloyd Webber quitting BBC?

Tags: andrew lloyd-webber, bbc, itv, over the rainbow, simon cowell, x factor.

Music maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber is reportedly set to refuse to renew his BBC television deal when 'Over The Rainbow' ends, prompting speculation he'll switch to ITV next autumn.

A source explains: "Andrew's three-year deal ends next year, then nothing else is planned. There are no plans for a new series but if the right show came up of course it could happen."

However, cynics are speculating that he is actually negotiating to launch an ITV series in Autumn 2011, when the network will need a primetime show on Saturday nights to replace 'X Factor' while Simon Cowell launches his new US version of the show at the same time. :--/

Image: ITAR-TASS / Alexei Filippov via Newscom