New 'X Factor' "will be Cowell's last"

Simon Cowell has declared that the upcoming second series of The X Factor will be his last, The Sun reports today.

Although the music mogul anticipates that the show - produced by his own TV company, Syco - will continue to a third instalment in 2006, he intends to to step down from the judging panel.

Asked if there would be a third series, Cowell replied: "Probably yes, but not with me on it."

Fellow judge Sharon Osbourne is apparently following suit, taking two years off from next year.

Cowell has previously hinted that he is considering quitting TV altogether over fears that the public are tiring of him.