[Mrluvaluva]

BRITAIN’S Got Talent boss Simon Cowell is to give up his seat on the judging panel and has hinted close friend Jordan could take his place.

Cowell, 50, will take a more behind-the-scenes role next year because he has had enough of sitting through thousands of auditions.

Jordan's close friend Simon Cowell claims the ITV show, which last year notched up record ratings of almost 20million for the final, is now big enough to carry on without him on camera.

Tonight, viewers will get a taste of the future when X Factor judge Louis Walsh, 57, sits in Cowell’s seat. He covered for Cowell when he was struck down by flu.

Even though the new series only gets going tonight, Cowell has already hinted the show will look very different in 2011.

He wants a brand new face to join Piers Morgan, 45, and Amanda Holden, 39, for the auditions and he will only return to the show for the live stages of the contest. Cowell said: “I am looking at whether I have a different role next year. I am considering coming just for the semi-finals. I like the show but it takes a hell of a lot of time.

“You sit there watching horrific acts and you think: ‘I genuinely can’t do this any more.’

“Can I see it working without me? Yes.”

His revelation has led to huge speculation about who could take his place.

Top of the hit list is glamour girl Kate Price, 31.

Asked if she could join the show, he teased: “Well those are your words not mine. But Jordan is a friend. It’s too early to say what will happen.

“Whoever takes over has to really know what they are talking about. You have to spot a star, nurture them, mentor them.”

Meanwhile, newlyweds Jordan and Alex Reid spent another day lapping up the Egyptian sun yesterday, a day after the cage-fighter pulled out of next month’s clash with Tom “Kong” Watson, 27.

Alex, 34, larked about in his stepson Harvey’s wheelchair after he hurt his knee while filming a TV show about the build-up to his fight with Watson.

Jordan treated Egyptians to another show of her famous boobs as she got her kit off and sunbathed topless in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Britain’s Got Talent airs tonight on ITV1 at 8pm.


Daily Star