Simon Cowell has signed a new deal with ITV which will tie him to the channel until 2008 at the earliest, presumably for quite an attractive sum.
Confirming the new deal, Cowell told reporters yesterday: "ITV gave me my first break on television and I'm incredibly grateful. This was a very easy decision to make. We've had a fantastic relationship and I'm looking forward to another successful two years."
ITV director of programmes Nigel Pickard added: "Simon Cowell is undoubtedly one of the biggest faces of ITV and we are delighted to have signed him exclusively as a performer for two more years."