Ananova:

Simon Cowell has signed an exclusive two-year deal with ITV said to be worth £1.25m.

The Pop Idol judge will host a series of big entertainment shows, the first of which is The X Factor - a talent show with a battle of the bands format.

ITV director of programmes Nigel Pickard said: "Simon's personality has been a huge influence on talent and entertainment shows.

"We are delighted that despite his success in the States he has agreed to be with us for the next few years."

Cowell is worth an estimated £35million and has become a huge star because of his infamous putdowns on Pop Idol in the UK and the American version.

The Sun says his new ITV deal will enable him to honour his three-year contract with American Idol.

Mr Pickard admitted ITV had no plans to do another Pop Idol or Popstars this year.

He said: "We have to ensure there is enough talent and public appetite for another series of Pop Idol before we do one. It will not happen this year but we do have plans for another one in the future."