Simon Cowell races up rich list

19-04-2007 11:30

Simon Cowell has soared up Britain's Rich List after amassing a £100 million fortune.The 'American Idol' judge is now the 700th richest person in Britain, shooting up an incredible 244 places from 944th in the annual poll compiled by Britain's Sunday Times newspaper.Simon boosted his assets by £40 million in the past 12 months, almost doubling his bank balance, due to the success of the US TV talent show and several hit programmes made by his UK production company SYCO, including 'X Factor'. He also signed a staggering £20 million deal with British TV network ITV.An industry source said: "Simon Cowell is the man with the Midas touch. Not only for him but for ITV, too."He's simply the hottest and most important showbiz talent around right now."Simon, 46, has now superseded singer Robbie Williams, who he told to "get a grip" when the singer entered rehab for addiction to painkillers.