Pop guru unveils X Factor: talent show set for primetime TV.(Television)

Simon Cowell has unveiled details of the first new TV show from his Syco joint venture production company with BMG, which is to hit TV screens this autumn.

But, although the show, X Factor, is to replace Pop Idol in ITV's autumn Saturday night TV schedules, Cowell says that the show that made his name will be hack in 2005.

X Factor, which is set to begin airing in September, is being developed by Syco with Thames Television. A hybrid of the Pop Idol and Popstars The Rivals formats, it will pit three celebrity music industry judges against each other in a bid to win public approval. As with Pop Idol, file winning act will secure a record deal with BMG.

Tim Bowen, BMG UK & Ireland chairman, says, "I am delighted. Simon and his team have really hit the ground running with this new show. The judges have become the contestants and now we will see how creative they really are."

Cowell is the first judge to be confirmed, with early indications tipping Westlife manager Louis Walsh and former Spice Girl Melanie B as possible rival judges.

Cowell says, "X Factor is not designed to be a rival to Pop Idol: the shows should compliment each other" He says he hopes to replicate ...