Honorary TV Bafta for Simon Cowell

SIMON Cowell is to be awarded an honorary prize at this year's TV Baftas.

The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent supremo will be given the "Special Award" at the Philips British Academy Television Awards for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry. The award, handed over during the ceremony at the London Palladium on Sunday 6 June, also recognises his role in developing new talent.

John Willis, chairman of the Bafta TV committee, said: "Over the past few years he has not only helped to change the entertainment landscape, but has reinvented Saturday night family entertainment.

"His shows enable exciting new talent to shine and are the most talked-about programmes on British television," Mr Willis added. "He is quite simply one of the most brilliant entertainment producers of our time."

Cowell became a TV mogul after rising to prominence as a judge on Pop Idol, later creating The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent.

He has helped to make Scottish singer Susan Boyle a worldwide phenomenon.