A shame - both Michael and the reportedly axed The Hoff worked well enough until Simon Cowell came in and stole their thunder.
I guess though Amanda staying at least reduces the chance of Cheryl turning up on it, so that can go down as a good thing. I wouldn't be surprised to see Simon back, but none of the names rumoured so far fill me with confidence.
Still not sure whether it means his back for all of it or not. I suspect he'll just be back for the live shows again. I know his supposedly busy in the US and Syco are trying to rely on him less on screen, but the auditions hardly take up a huge amount of time and I'm sure he was at one or two of last years auditions behind the scenes anyway. I know he can't remain on screen forever - I just don't think it did him any favours virtually dropping both UK shows in the same year.
I seriously doubt that Kim Cattrall will be a judge, it's a well known fact that the UK audience doesn't usually warm to Americans on a juding panel and although Kim is British born she still classes herself as an American and has an American accent.
I would like to see Dannii Minogue or Barbara Windsor on the panel personally.
