Simon Cowell 'to quit American Idol', says brother

Simon Cowell is to quit the US talent show American Idol after the next series, according to his brother.

Tony Cowell said in his weekly podcast The Cowell Factor that a statement was being prepared which would confirm the mogul would leave the show at the end of 2010.

He added that his brother would be focusing on producing a US version of The X Factor instead.

"Meanwhile, Simon prepares for a new season of Idol, or should I say, his last season of Idol," Tony said of his brother in the podcast, which has since been removed from broadcast.

"A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected," he added, "Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of X Factor to US TV in 2011."

A Fox spokeswoman had no comment to make about Tony's remarks.

Simon has been on the panel of American Idol - one of the biggest shows on US TV - since it debuted in 2002.

Many of its former winners, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks, have had hugely successful careers, while Jennifer Hudson, a finalist in the third series, went on to win an Oscar for her role in the film Dreamgirls.

The new series begins in January, with Ellen DeGeneres joining the judging panel in place of Paula Abdul, who quit earlier this year.