Simon Cowell – The X Factor 2010

Simon Cowell is one the the worlds biggest TV stars, known all over the globe for his harsh comments to talent show participants. Simon has announced today that he is joining forces with retail billionaire, Sir Philip Green, to form a global entertainment company, which will create and own television content on both sides of the pond.

The two men have been close friends for many years, and are regulars on the London party scene, but its the first time the pair have joined forces to create a new business venture. Sir Philip Green, the owner of UK retailers Top Shop and BHS has been advising Simon Cowell on a new contract to appear on American Idol.

The venture between the pair will effectively act as a holding company for all Simon Cowell’s entertainment interests, including Britains got Talent, Americas got Talent and The X Factor, but will also provide a springboard for new programming devised or produced by Mr Cowell, with Sir Philip Green providing the business advice.

For Sir Philip, the new company provides him with potentially lucrative merchandising opportunities, particularly in fashion, his traditional speciality. Its unclear how much capital Sir Philip will put into the venture, and he’s so far declined to comment on the venture.

Simon, who’s a judge on American Idol has been in talks with 19 Entertainment, which owns the rights to the show, and News Corp’s Fox Network about a new contract. His deal with the programme, the cornerstone of the Fox schedule, expires in May.

Simon has been offered a new contract for American Idol, which, if he accepts would make him the best paid star on TV, with a deal likely to surpass even Oprah Winfrey’s estimated earnings.

An insider which knows about the deal has said that Mr Cowell was keen to agree the new deal, with all his broadcasting and music partners. His long-term deal with record company, Sony Music also comes to an end next year. Sony Music is definitely keen to keep him on board due to the huge success of acts such as Leona Lewis, Paul Potts and il Divo.

After missing out on the first day of tennis at Wimbledon due to the first round of X Factor auditions, Simon Cowell promised his fellow judges he’d make it up to them later on this week. But the invitations haven’t been extended to Dannii Minogue, leaving her out in the cold….again!

Simon has invited fellow judges Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh, giving them the VIP treatment court-side this week, but Dannii Minogue will have to line up like the rest of us.

A source close to Simon said: “He was really upset having missed the first day at Wimbledon. He is a keen tennis fan and was eager to see the matches. He asked if he could replace his centre court tickets for Friday and said that he would also like to bring along Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh – but there was no mention of Dannii.“

“There may be a good reason for this, as she might be busy, or even might not like tennis, but it seems quite odd that she was left out.“

This isn’t the first time Dannii Minogue, 37, has been left out in the cold. Last year, after the National Television Awards, Simon treated Louis and Cheryl to a lavish meal at Mr Chow’s in Knightsbridge. But Dannii was left to attend the after-party by herself.

Kylie Minogue’s younger sister is already smarting from the news Cheryl Cole is being paid THREE TIMES as much as she is at £1.2million.

Other celebs at the all-English tennis club yesterday included Johnny Borrell (Razorlight), Jude Law and Johnny Lee Miller.

They were treated to a three-course meal in the Evian VIP suite – including lobster and a selection of salads for lunch, high tea in the afternoon, as well as Rose Champagne and Pimms throughout the day.

That’s what you’ll be missing Dannii…