14 February 2006
DailyRecord
SIMON Cowell has signed a megabucks deal to keep him at ITV for the next two years.
The contract is believed to be worth up to £3million.
Since appearing as a judge on the first series of Pop Idol in 2000, Cowell, 46, has become one of the world's biggest TV stars.
His personal fortune is believed to be around £45million.
Loved and loathed in equal measure, Cowell's searing put-downs have become his trademark on both sides of the Atlantic.
His brutal honesty makes a huge contribution to talent show The X Factor, where he also sits as a judge.
ITV's director of television Simon Shaps said: "I'm delighted that we've persuaded Simon to say at ITV.
"He is a brilliant and unique talent and I look forward to continuing to work with him both on and off screen.
"The X Factor was one of the biggest and most talked-about shows on UK television last year.
"The third series, which starts later this year, promises to deliver the same."
Cowell said: "ITV gave me my first break on television and I'm incredibly grateful.
"We've had a fantastic relationship and I'm looking forward to another two successful years."
