Report: Cowell makes £100m from show

Simon Cowell has sold America’s Got Talent around the world - netting him around £100 million, according to a report.

He has sold rights to make versions of the reality show in 40 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Greece and Israel, says The Sun. The paper says the deals have doubled his fortune to around £200 million.

A spokesman for Cowell said it was no surprise: "He’s got the X-factor, he knows exactly what people want and aren’t getting. Whether it’s music or television, he has had the most amazing success by backing his own judgment."

A UK version of the talent show, which sees all types of performers compete for £100,000, will start next month and feature Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan and Cowell as judges.