Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell wants to leave his fortune to charity.

The 53-year-old businessman is expecting his first son with socialite girlfriend Lauren Silverman but may not leave him his estimated £225million fortune as he believes it would be better spent on worthy causes.

Simon told Esquire magazine: "I'm going to leave my money to somebody. A charity, probably - kids and dogs.

"I don't believe in passing on from one generation to another.

"Your legacy has to be that hopefully you gave enough people an opportunity, so that they could do well, and you gave them your time, taught them what you know."

Simon has worked his way up from the bottom in the music and TV industries, amassing his wealth through shows including 'American Idol' and 'X Factor', but no matter how much success he has, he never plans to give up work.

He added: "A lot of people who retire, they hate their job so much, they just love the idea of not working any more.

"That horrifies me. I'm going to be still working in my 80s or 90s."

If Simon does leave his riches to charity it is likely to benefit the canine world, as he has long been a supporter of homes for stray pooches, helping set up a dog sanctuary on Barbados with a £10,000 donation and giving £100,000 to another shelter in Toluca Lake, California.