global franchise that includes American Idol. Lythgoe moved to the U.S. in 2002 to produce American Idol and then became producer/judge and co-creator of So You Think You Can Dance on the FOX television network. Lythgoe, and his production partner Ken Warwick, who went to school together from age 12, initially agreed to produce the 2007 Emmys, but could not due to scheduling conflicts with SYTYCD. In 2007, Lythgoe worked with a number of prominent California-based Brits, including then-British Consul-General Bob Peirce, to found BritWeek, an annual program of events held in Los Angeles and Orange County to celebrate the strong business, historical, and entertainment ties between the UK and California. On 4 August 2008, Lythgoe confirmed that he was leaving American Idol and decided to move on with So You Think You Can Dance. In 2009, Lythgoe and Fuller formed a company called Big Red 2 Entertainment. Fuller is a fan of Manchester United and Lythgoe of Liverpool. Both teams play in red. Their first venture was Superstars of Dance for NBC. He is also a judge on So You Think You Can Dance (UK). On 5 August 2010, American Idol confirmed Lythgoe would be returning as an executive producer to the hit show beginning season 10. Personal life Lythgoe married Bonita Shawe in 1974, whom he met while he was choreographer for the BBC's Young Generation dance troupe. Shawe was also an audition judge on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance and was a judge on the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance for the first three seasons. The couple divorced in 2010 after a protracted separation. They have two sons together, Simon and Kristopher. He suffered a heart attack in January 2003. He nearly died from a burst appendix in October 2003. Lythgoe has dated Priscilla Presley and Raquel Welch. He owns Villa San Juliette, a vineyard in Paso Robles, California. Filmography Producer (selected credits) The Next Great American Band So You Think You Can Dance All American Girl American Juniors American Idol Pop Idol The Brian Conley Show Superstars of Dance Idol Gives Back CMT's Next Superstar Director Superstars of Dance (2009) So You Think You Can Dance (2005) All American Girl (2003) American Idol (2002) Survivor (2001) Popstars (2000) Animals Do The Funniest Things (1999) TV Weekly (1988) Gladiators (1992) The Brian Conley Show Awards and honours 2015