Simon Cowell's animated ambition

Dec 31, 2009, 10:04 GMT

Simon Cowell wants to create a cartoon series.

The music mogul - who earned an estimated $75 million last year - is a big fan of animated show 'The Simpsons' but admits he is jealous of its worldwide success.

He said: "Their appeal is broad and it makes a lot of money. You kind of hate them for making so much money. It makes me physically sick knowing how much money they have made over the years.

"Maybe I should start a cartoon one day."

Simon, 50, has previously made cameo appearances on the show - but admits he only took part to preserve his youth.

He explained on TV show 'The Simpsons: Celebrity Friends': "It's the best thing to get the call. You last forever and are young forever on that show, so I love it.

"The only reason for doing it is to look good and stay young forever."

The 'American Idol' and 'Britain's Got Talent' star recently signed up to make another appearance on the cartoon, despite admitting his last appearance didn't go well.

He said: "They obviously hated me as I had to do it over and over again.

"I could actually feel the rolling of eyeballs. It was like, 'After take 57 Simon could we have a little bit more reality?' It was painful."