9 December 2005
X FACTOR EXCLUSIVE: By Nicola Methven, Tv Editor
mirror
SIMON Cowell is close to completing a £2.75million "golden handcuffs" deal with ITV chiefs.
It will see The X Factor's Mr Nasty tied to the channel until January 2008.
Speaking from his mansion in Los Angeles, he told the Mirror: "I'm really happy...it's the best job in telly."
Cowell, 46, is being lined up to appear on a new show called Star Duets - where famous singers are teamed up with tone-deaf celebrities - as well as judging another two series of smash hit The X Factor.
Last night, an ITV spokeswoman said: "We are in advanced negotiations over Simon's contract and we're thrilled that he will remain with us on an exclusive basis."
The deal prevents him from moving permanently to the US, but he will get time off to judge American Idol.
Cowell - already worth £60million - has helped ITV1 win the Saturday night ratings war against the Beeb.
