Fountain Studios To Close

When does TC1 become available to use? Is an opening date known?

September next year - just in time for Strictly.

Hmm maybe that's a sign that it was intended for Strictly to move back there?

Even if Strictly doesn't move The X Factor could go next door at Elstree - they have two studios of equal size there (Big Brother used to use Stage 1 in the C4 days, Dancing on Ice used Stage 2).

At least this move should finally force The X Factor to change it's set - it's been in place since 2009 and is at least a couple of years overdue being replaced. BGT have gone through 3 or 4 sets in the same period.

I'm not sure of the set up at Elstree but I'd imagine Strictly and X Factor next door to each other would be a logistical nightmare in terms of backstage - dressing rooms, green rooms etc.

Maidstone studios have a very large facility.

Completely forgot about Maidstone!

Think of the headlines Cowell could get out of that though.

Think of the break we'd all get if a major power surge hit the complex.

Having two big shows like X Factor & Strictly coming from the same studios at the same time sounds like a nightmare. Crowd control of the audiences could be a bit troublesome too.

12000SqF http://www.maidstonestudios.com/studios/studio-5/ while Fountain is 13000sq F

Elstree has plenty of 15000sq2 or even Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden?

I would place quite a large bet on it not going to Maidstone anyway.