Cowell To Wear ITV’s Golden Handcuffs Until 2008

TV’s self-styled Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, has extended his deal with ITV to appear exclusively on its network of channels until Spring 2008.

The deal follows Cowell’s original contract with the broadcaster, signed for two years in 2004 (see ITV Signs Simon Cowell For Two Years).

The new agreement will see the sharp-tongued pop mogul continue to front programmes such as X Factor and American Idol on ITV’s channels.

Commenting on his retention, Cowell said ITV had given him his “first break” in television, and that he was “incredibly grateful” to the broadcaster.

“We’ve had a fantastic relationship and I’m looking forward to another two successful years,” he added.

ITV’s director of television Simon Shaps welcomed Cowell’s commitment, praising the X Factor judge, stating: “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’s new contract follows some high profile talent changes for ITV, with the embarrassing departure of Paul O’Grady last month (see O’Grady Latest Chat Host To Leave ITV) followed by the retention of talk show stalwart Michael Parkinson (see Parky To Stay Seated At ITV Until 2007) and the extension of Jeremy Kyle’s contract (see Kyle Signs On For More Chat With ITV).

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