Delight for Cowell

Former judge believes X Factor will be better without him...

10:57 22 August 2011

Simon Cowell has said that he thinks the X Factor is better without him.

The talent show judge who quit the UK show to launch the US X Factor said that he was delighted with the new judges and the record ratings that the new look show achieved.

“I'm thrilled with the numbers. The new judging team are doing a brilliant job and the show feels even better this year.” he said to his publicist Max Clifford reports the Sun.

“With me not there, it has taken the age down considerably. We have four individuals being themselves. It is the public who will decide, but I am very pleased with the start.”

“I want it to be ever more successful - but there is a side of me that wants to be missed.”

An insider told the paper: “Of course he has a high opinion of himself as a judge, but he truly believes the show is better this year.”

The competition which returned on Saturday achieved record ratings of 12.6 million viewers and featured new judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa, Kelly Rowland and only returning judge Louis Walsh.

A thrilled ITV executive told the Mirror: “We were worried how people would take to the new panel but it’s been nothing but a resounding success. They are fantastic figures. Cowell’s absence hasn’t hurt us.”