Rich reward for Cowell's cutting quips

Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell has amassed a £30million fortune, making him Britain's wealthiest celebrity with a production company, it is revealed today.

Cowell, 43, whose cutting put-downs made him a household name, is followed in the rich list by another tabloid target - Chris Evans.

Cowell's recently formed production company Simcow - set up with Fremantle Media and his BMG record label - puts him at the top of a league dominated by a record number of TV personalities. He is No23 on the overall list of big earners' list compiled annually by Broadcast magazine.

The 43-year-old - now hosting Pop Idol 2 - was watched by 52 million people when he presented the first American Idol. He now commands $150,000 an episode.

Behind him, Evans is still worth £25million, despite losing £17 million in his legal battle with Scottish Media Group, owner of Virgin Radio.

Celebrity chef and TV face of Sainsbury's, Jamie Oliver, is worth £15million following the success of Jamie's Kitchen.

He is closely followed by Jasper Carrott who, along with his wife, has a 15 per cent share in Celador, the company behind Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?

Rory Bremner, Steve Coogan and Jonathan Ross - each worth £7million - come in at joint sixth among the celebrities.