Cowell in TV link with Murdoch clan

TALENT show multi-millionaire Simon Cowell is jumping into bed with Elisabeth Murdoch to launch the next stage of his entertainment empire, which he claims will be worth £100m in a few years.

Cowell, who has forged a reputation as TV's Mr Nasty for his coruscating appraisals of wannabes on his show Pop Idol, American Idol and most recently X Factor, says he plans to get closer to the Murdochs to widen his business interests.

He plans a joint venture with Elisabeth Murdoch's independent production company Shine for the development of a 'high concept game show'.

Cowell's relationship with Murdoch has bloomed after she persuaded her father, media tycoon Rupert, to take American Idol on his Fox Network in the US.

The show has brought Cowell, 46, a fortune reckoned to be in excess of £40m and made him a world celebrity.

Speaking at a promotional event for Club 328, a jet set members' club which he is helping to front, Cowell said he has also begun investing in property via a fund which has been set up by his younger brother Nicholas who runs Abbey Road Estates.

However, he denied any interest in the latest venture of his older brother Tony, a literary agent, who is planning a 'book idol' TV show called Between the Covers aiming 'to find the next John Grisham or JK Rowling'.