Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman enjoyed an idyllic beach day in Barbados on Thursday - hours after it emerged the music mogul had 'axed' The X Factor after 17 years.
The businessman, 61, and New Yorker Lauren, 44, looked to be having the time of their lives as they splashed about in the ocean and soaked up the sun looking worlds away from any dramas at home.
On Wednesday evening, it was reported that Simon has pulled the plug on the ITV talent show - which launched in 2004 and last aired in 2018 - because he doesn't want the programme to 'become a bit of a joke.'
Far from mourning the loss of the show, the youthful star hit the waters with a snorkel in place while his stunning partner put on a show-stopping display in a hot pink strapless swimsuit and chic straw hat.
Chilled: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman enjoyed an idyllic beach day in Barbados on Thursday - hours after it emerged the music mogul had 'axed' The X Factor after 17 years
Simon looked in total relaxation mode as he hit the beach in his swimming trunks, with his age-defying torso on full display following his recent health and lifestyle overhaul.
Lauren looked simply sensational in her strapless number, which highlighted all her best bits, while she made sure to keep the sun off her youthful complexion with large sunglasses and a straw hat by Valentino.
While he relaxed, The X Factor news hit headlines back home. The X Factor format is still successful around the globe yet it seems Simon has accepted in the UK 'the show has become slightly stale' and so has reportedly decided to 'shelve it' for five years, but sources are claiming it's now 'unlikely' to ever return.
A show insider told The Sun: 'Globally, it is still a phenomenon and rakes in millions every year. But in the UK, there is no question it has become slightly stale. Simon remains at the top of his game and knows how to make a hit. He owns the rights to the show, and it's his call — not ITV's — whether or not he drops it.
Wow! His stunning partner put on a show-stopping display in a hot pink strapless swimsuit and chic straw hat
Water day! The businessman, 61, and New Yorker Lauren, 44, looked to be having the time of their lives as they splashed about in the ocean and soaked up the sun looking worlds away from any dramas at home
What!? On Wednesday evening, it was reported that Simon pulled the plug on the ITV talent show - which launched in 2004 and last aired in 2018 (Simon pictured in a 2017 promo shot)
Strutting their stuff: Far from mourning the loss of the show, the youthful star hit the waters with a snorkel in place while his stunning partner put on a show-stopping display in a hot pink strapless swimsuit and chic straw hat
'Clearly the last thing he wants is for X Factor to fizzle out with a whimper and become a bit of a joke — especially in contrast to the show in its pomp.'
The source explained there is the option for Simon to return the talent show in 2023, which would see auditions take place next summer, however the entrepreneur is thought to be focused on his new game show Walk The Line.
MailOnline has contacted Fremantle for comment. An ITV spokseperson told MailOnline: 'There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.'
Stunner: Lauren looked simply sensational in her strapless number, which highlighted all her best bits, while she made sure to keep the sun off her youthful complexion with large sunglasses and a straw hat
In March, Dermot O'Leary, 47, told new! magazine of the X Factor: 'I can't
