Hilton and Richie were childhood friends

The show proved a success as the two socialites ditched their millionaire lifestyles to travel across the US.

Its production company is hoping another network will pick up the show, despite the fact the former friends are still publicly feuding.

Fox said it "did not see a place" for the show in its schedules.

Bunim-Murray Productions, which produces the show with 20th Century Fox, said it was still behind the show.

Replacement idea

"We're very excited about the creative plans for the next group of episodes, and are confident this situation will be remedied quickly," it said in a statement.

Earlier this year Hilton confirmed she and Richie were no longer friends, throwing the series into doubt, but would not be drawn on the reasons.

She had lobbied for the daughter of Rod Stewart, Kimberly, to take over from Richie but Fox rejected this proposal.

Producers insisted Hilton and Richie would be held to their contract to make another series of The Simple Life.

Hilton said she is concentrating on movie projects and a singing career.

She recently called off her engagement to shipping heir Paris Latsis, while Richie is engaged is to DJ Adam Goldstein.