Simon to step down

X factor returns to our screens tomorrow and viewers should make the most of it as it is likely to be the last chance to see Simon Cowell on it.

14:05 19 August 2005

X factor returns to our screens tomorrow and viewers should make the most of it as it is likely to be the last chance to see Simon Cowell on it.

Arguably the most unpopular man on the show, Cowell has decided that the second series will be his last, although the show is likely to be back on our screens next year without him.

The judge who never holds back confirmed his decision to the Sun, saying when asked whether there would be another series: "Probably yes, but not with me on it."

And fellow judge Sharon Osbourne - whose comforting words to crestfallen hopefuls could not be more contrasting to Cowell's tell-it-like-it-is ethos - may be joining her colleague.

She too is rumoured to be leaving and is expected to be taking some time off from the TV screens altogether.

But the show will certainly go on, as Louis Walsh joins Cowell and Osbourne for another attempt to find the nations next singing sensation.

Simon, Sharon and Louis visited seven cities throughout the UK - London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Newcastle, Belfast and Edinburgh - in an attempt to find someone who will sell bucketloads of records.

Tomorrow's show sees the judges visit London, Birmingham and Manchester as more wannabes take their chances in the audition room in the usually forlorn hope that they might catch the judges' attention.

With an 82-year-old pensioner performing Unchained Melody, a Tina Turner lookalike called Bula and boyband 4Tune, who made the semi-finals last year, all appearing, it could be a very interesting start.