ITV are still only contractually obliged to take this series, aren't they?
ITV renewed The X Factor and BGT for another three years back in February.
I can't see Cowell allowing himself to lose face by being told the show's getting dropped. I imagine it'll be a case of "I'm stopping the show, and it's all my decision, I definitely wasn't pushed"... in the same way previous hosts and judges adopted the "I'm leaving the show, and it's all my decision, I definitely wasn't pushed."
No contract has been secured as yet. It's still likely though.
And yes, X Factor and BGT seem to come as a package. At least in Simon's mind. Doubt he'd get anywhere near the same viewing figures for BGT on Sky or even Channel 4 or 5! It's an ITV show.
I would not say they come as a pair. Simon would want to get the most money. If ITV don't want the X factor and only want BGT then Simon will make them pay for it.