More chances to be Mr Nasty

Media mogul Simon Cowell believes he can increase his already brimming bank account by up to 100 million with four new reality TV shows.

10:44 03 February 2005

Media mogul Simon Cowell believes he can increase his already brimming bank account by up to 100 million with four new reality TV shows.

The self-styled Mr Nasty, 45, who is behind hits such as X Factor and Pop Idol, is planning to bring his reality programmes and a new game show to Britain and the US later this year, the Sun reports.

He already earns about 1 million for American Idol, the Stateside version of the hit talent show, and is reportedly aiming to expand his empire even further by taking X Factor to Russia.

But success comes at a cost, it seems, as news of Cowell's expansion comes amid reports that American Idol producers have had to step up security at the show.

One contestant, a 22-year-old rapper from Alabama, was so upset by the judge's abuse that he shot someone.

Leroy Wells had to watch the televised version of his audition from behind bars, the newspaper reports.

"It is scary," said fellow judge Paula Abdul.