Simon Cowell to be honoured at TV Baftas

Britain's Got Talent boss Simon Cowell is to be awarded an honorary prize at the TV Baftas next month.

The X Factor supremo will be given the "Special Award" at the Philips British Academy Television Awards for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry.

The award, presented to TV luminaries such as Jane Tranter and Andy Harries in the past, also recognises his role in developing new talent.
The award will be handed over during the ceremony at the London Palladium on Sunday, June 6.

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

"His shows enable exciting new talent to shine and are the most talked-about programmes on British television. 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, and becoming a big name in the US with American Idol.

He has helped to make Susan Boyle a worldwide success and the ... Got Talent format is now screened in more than 40 countries.
The awards will be screened by BBC1.