Is anyone else getting fed up with all the will he, won’t he, speculation? All year we’ve been on the edge of our seats wondering what will happen when Cowell’s contract with ITV runs out at the end of X Factor 2009. Many people think he’ll leave, his schedule is pretty demanding after all.

However new reports suggest that he plans to continue with the show for another three series before quitting. In an interview with The Mirror Simon is reported as saying:

“A couple of years ago I was not sure I wanted to carry on,” Cowell told The Mirror. “It’s a lot to juggle – making the shows, being on them – so I had to think twice about it. I think Leona Lewis probably changed my mind. She reminded me why we do this.

“Leona is the reason I decided to stay on two more years. She made it worthwhile again.”

He added: “Three years and that’s it – I will do what I’ve always done. 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 not to outstay my welcome.”

That’s good news for me, I get three more years of my favourite show, but not such good news for the X Factor I would imagine. I can’t see how the show would work without Cowell, so reading between the lines I would think that if Simon does leave in 2012 the XF will have run its course and we may have to find some other way to fill our Saturday nights.