Simon Cowell has revealed that he will be leaving the X Factor by the time he turns 50.

Speaking to the Mirror newspaper, he says: “There has to come a point when I will step down from being on camera and remain behind the scenes because you can’t keep doing this for ever.

“I have three more seasons under contract with American Idol and that will be it. And it will probably come at the same time in the UK. I am contracted for another two or three seasons in Britain and I think by that point the public will be sick to death of me anyway and it will be time to go.”

He added:

“Three years and that’s it – I will do what I’ve always done,” he reveals.

“I run a record label, I run a TV company, we’re making movies now – I love that part of my life. I probably get more satisfaction from making a show than being on a show.

“I’ve been lucky, but I also know when not to outstay my welcome.”

Laughing, he adds: “And you’ll definitely not be seeing me on Celebrity Big Brother, that’s for sure.

“When there is a reason for me being on a show then OK, but just to be on TV for the sake of it is not my thing at all.”

Ah what a pity, I would have liked to see Simon eat live bugs and worms!