[Spike]

Simon Cowell has confirmed that he is hoping for a "unique" X Factor winner this year.

The music mogul revealed that he has been keeping the international success of Amy Winehouse in mind when judging hopefuls on the new series.

"I want someone who is going to represent this country all over the world over the next ten, twenty years - that's what I'm looking for," Cowell explained. "I want somebody who is different and unique. I want to find somebody as good as Amy Winehouse - I'd love to do that."

Cowell admitted that the contestants will have to work hard if they want to match the standard set by Leona Lewis over the past year.

"I'll never forget the day that Leona Lewis walked into the audition room and I want to have that same feeling again," he said. "It's not always the obvious ones. You win this show, you make the right record and you can become an international star - it is as simple as that.

"Leona Lewis is the biggest reality show winner in history. Fact. It's because of The X Factor and that's what this show can do for you."

The X Factor's fifth series begins on Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV1.