Just as Big Brother did two years ago, the reality singing series Australian Idol is finally on the scrap heap after a mediocre 2009 season.

This time it was the judges in the higher office who made the decision on the shows future, with producers deciding another year of Dicko, Marcia and Jay Dee Springbett was not to be.

There was a lot of speculation on whether the Ten network would go ahead with the fading franchise late last year, and it seemed they had made the decision to give it a green light in 2010.

However, it seems the producers have done a complete back flip in recent weeks and have now decided to rest Idol for the year.

The main reason behind the decision was the massive decline in ratings which was felt throughout the 2009 period.

A mere 1.4 million viewers watched Stan Walker’s triumph in the 2009 finale, almost two million less than the 3.34 million who cheered Guy Sebastian in the 2003 premiere.

The networks commitment to covering the Commonwealth Games also had an influence on the decision as the two weeks would have clashed with the series.

An anonymous source yesterday confirmed the rumours in a statement made to the media.

“Ten is going to rest Australian Idol for 2010,” they said.

“They will make a decision towards the end of 2010 as to whether it will return in 2011.

“They have asked (production company) Fremantle (Media) for ideas on how to re-launch in 2011.”

Ian Dickson, who worked on the show as a judge last year said he has contract had not been renewed, further cementing the innuendo.

“I guess the fact I haven’t had a call about the show this year and that I am talking to other agents (networks) says something,” Dickson said.

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