Cowell in pay dispute with ITV?

Simon Cowell is apparently at the centre of a pay dispute with ITV.

The music mogul recently backed out of publicity work for the network's coverage of American Idol, as well as promotion for the upcoming Celebrity X Factor series.

"Simon is fuming. It's a big fall-out and a huge worry for ITV," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "It's all down to money. Simon doesn't think the channel values him enough."

An ITV insider added, "Nobody wants to fall out with Simon - so the hoo-haa is a huge shock. Bosses are trying to keep it under wraps. They hope to come to an agreement with Simon before it jeopardises the new series."