Cowell speaks about axing 'X Factor'

Simon Cowell has admitted that he will consider axing The X Factor if the new series isn't a success.

The show's judge and producer explained that he would want the show to finish if it had a lacklustre run like the second series of Pop Idol, which saw Michelle McManus voted as the winner.

"If this series ended like Pop Idol 2, forget it. It would be a waste of time to come back," Cowell told The People.

He added: "If the contestants are all rubbish at the end, then it's pointless. I would consider stepping away. You can only do this for so many years anyway."