SIMON COWELL SOARS UP RICH LIST

American Idol's Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell has soared up Britain's Rich List after amassing a $200 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 $80 million in the past 12 months, almost doubling his bank balance, due to the success of the US TV talent show and several hit programs made by his UK production company SYCO, including 'XFactor'. He also signed a staggering $40 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him but for ITV, too."He's simply the hottest and most important showbiz talent around right now."Simon, 46, has now superseded singer Robbie Williams, who he told to "get agrip" when the singer entered rehab for addiction to pain killers. The troubled star only increased his wealth by $10 million to $200 million last year after his album 'Rudebox' flopped. Sir Paul McCartney is the richest man in pop, securing him 102nd place. Other stars to make the list include David Beckham, who is the richest soccer star in the world, Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Elton John and Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling. The number one spot is held by steel mogul Lakshmi Mittal, 56, who has amassed an amazing $38 billion. The Sunday Times Rich List forms the basis for the TV countdown 'Britain's Rich List' to be aired on ITV tonight at 9pm.

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