Simon Cowell to receive a special Bafta prize

The 50-year-old music mogul is being honoured for his "outstanding contribution... and for his development of new talent".

The chair of Bafta's TV committee John Willis said he was "delighted" to recognise "one of the most brilliant entertainment producers of our time".

This is the second big award the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent judge will receive this year. He is also being honoured with an International Emmy in recognition of his TV work.

Simon bid an emotional fairwell to American Idol this week. He is now believed to be concentrating on bringing The X Factor to America.

The TV Bafta's will be held at The London Palladium on June 6.