Currently enjoying a successful stint on X Factor, Simon Cowell's hopes of relaxing in a new luxury villa when it's all over may be in jeopardy.

Building work on a development in Barbados - in which the multi-millionaire invested a £18 million deposit - has suddenly stopped, leaving a trail of unpaid creditors.

New investors are currently browsing the land, which Andrew Lloyd Webber also put down a large deposit for, but many have pulled out after seeing it.

"Sir Philip Green looked at it and didn't like it - and he was right. It is too near the port," a source says.

Also turned off after a viewing is film director Michael Winner.

"The whole thing is a shambles," he says. "There are oil containers nearby and boats taking tourists out to swim with turtles."

But the developer remains positive.

"Hopefully, if all goes well, work could re-start in January. All the creditors will eventually be paid - you have to keep everyone happy on a small island like this," he says.

Photo: � Rex