Simon Cowell has revealed he will not be present for the auditions section of Britain's Got Talent next year, because of his new commitment to the US version of X Factor.

"I won't be doing the BGT auditions next year. I will join the show at the semi-final stage. I will eventually leave but nothing is decided yet. We launch US X Factor next year too which is a huge challenge," the music mogul says.

"I like the show but it takes a hell of a lot of time. You sit there watching horrific acts and you think, 'I genuinely can't do this any more'.

"I am considering next year, coming in for the semi-finals, just the studio bit. Can I see the show without me? Yes, it can work without me."