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Simon Cowell: I hope Cheryl Cole can carry The X Factor in the future

Music mogul said to be ready to quit ITV show

Simon Cowell judges The X Factor with Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue

Simon Cowell has hinted that he's grooming Cheryl Cole to replace him as head judge on The X Factor.

The Girls Aloud star, 25, joined the ITV programme last year and went on to win the series with her act Alexandra Burke.

‘My hope is that Cheryl can carry the show in the future,’ says the 49-year-old.

Simon’s X Factor contract is up for renewal at the end of the year and he is reportedly yet to start negotiations.

Now insiders claim he’s planning to quit the show.

‘With his 50th birthday around the corner it would be the perfect time to hand over,’ a source tells the Daily Mirror. ‘Cheryl has proved she has what it takes.

‘Now it is time for Simon to sit back a bit and enjoy the fruits of his labour.’

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