Nigel Lythgoe backing away from 'Idol'

By April MacIntyre Aug 4, 2008, 20:44 GMT

05/03/2008 - Nigel Lythgoe - "Jersey Boys" Opens at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas - Jersey Boys Theatre at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas, NV, USA © PRN / PR Photos

"So You Think You Can Dance" judge, 19 Entertainment president and producer Nigel Lythgoe is scaling back his work with Fox series, "American Idol."

TelevisionWeek reported that Lythgoe plans to expand "So You Think You Can Dance" worldwide, including South Africa.

TMZ.com printed a follow up to TV Week's report that confirmed Lythgoe was indeed branching away from the long-running talent show.

His production company, 19 Entertainment, issued a statement"

"Contrary to online rumors, producer Nigel Lythgoe is not leaving 19 Entertainment, Lythgoe … is currently negotiating a new deal with 19 to begin a new joint venture with Simon Fuller, with whom he created the Emmy-nominated show 'So You Think You Can Dance.'"

"My summer will be taken up by travels to South Africa, Australia and Canada to work on local versions of ('SYTYCD'), I will step back from my day-to-day producing work on 'American Idol' and will be devoting my time to a new venture with Simon Fuller."

Fox Broadcasting also issued a statement, the network stated that Mr. Lythgoe would be stepping down as showrunner on "Idol."

"While we are disappointed that he will no longer be executive producing 'American Idol,' we are pleased to continue working with him on 'So You Think You Can Dance' and look forward to working with him on his new projects."