Simon Cowell has sparked speculation he's set to leave his native Britain for good to concentrate on launching his popular singing contest "The X Factor" Stateside. The music mogul has dealt a devastating blow to TV fans after hinting the U.K. show, currently in its seventh series, won't be back next year - because he'll be too busy working on an American version.

Cowell is due to start filming the U.S. "X Factor" in September - around the same time the U.K. show typically begins airing. He says, "At the moment you are going to see me doing one show next year - and not one in England. I have a contract for this year and that is it."

"It will have to move. Do people want it back (in the U.K.)? I am going to sit it out for a few more weeks before I make a final decision. And it has to be fun. The minute it stops being fun, bye bye."