Mr Moore only took up the top job in September, following the departure of his predecessor Simon Fox.

BBC: HMV warns over its future as sales continue to fall

Even so, HMV's chief executive, Simon Fox, remains positive, if not exactly chipper.

BBC: HMV clinging on

Ms Bailey has since been replaced by the former HMV boss Simon Fox.

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The release of its annual results came a week after HMV announced that its chief executive Simon Fox will be stepping down in September after six years in the role.

BBC: HMV logo

Her performance was called "panto-ish" by Fox, and Simon Cowell said it was more suitable for a "children's party".

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With Charlotte Rampling and, as Charles James Fox, a sly Simon McBurney.

NEWYORKER: The Duchess

"There's a vote of confidence on Fox's part and Simon Cowell's part and Britney's team's part to say she's ready, and if it goes right, the potential is huge, " he said.

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Fox, 25, was signed by Simon Grayson in January 2006 for Blackpool after over two years on the Old Trafford books.

BBC: Blackpool's Fox off to Colchester

Music mogul Simon Fuller has settled a copyright battle with TV network Fox over the US version of The X Factor.

BBC: Simon Fuller settles US X Factor case