Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell has confirmed that he will not be taking part in next year’s Britain’s Got Talent auditions.

The newly engaged music mogul had previously hinted that he would take a step back from the show, in a bid to focus on his new American X Factor series.

He told Reveal: “I won’t be doing the Britain’s Got Talent auditions next year. I will join the show at the semi-final stage.

“I will eventually leave but nothing is decided yet. We launch X Factor [in the US] next year too, which is a huge challenge.”

In an earlier interview with The Mirror he said:

“Can I see the show without me? Yes, it can work without me.

“But… you have to really know what you are talking about – you have to be able to spot a star, nurture them, mentor them.”

One friend said: “When Simon had flu, Louis Walsh stepped in as a judge and the show continued pretty much as normal.”

Will you still watch the show without Simon Cowell? Do you think he brings anything unique to the show? Leave your comments below.