Simon Cowell - Cowell To Leave U.K. For American X Factor?

SIMON COWELL has sparked speculation he's set to leave his native Britain for good to concentrate on launching his popular singing contest THE X FACTOR Stateside.

The music mogul has dealt a devastating blow to TV fans after hinting the U.K. show, currently in its seventh series, won't be back next year (11) - because he'll be too busy working on an American version.

Cowell is due to start filming the U.S. X Factor in September (11) - around the same time the U.K. show typically begins airing.

He says, "At the moment you are going to see me doing one show next year - and not one in England. I have a contract for this year and that is it.

"It will have to move. Do people want it back (in the U.K.)? I am going to sit it out for a few more weeks before I make a final decision. And it has to be fun. The minute it stops being fun, bye bye."