Simon Cowell keen to return to 'X Factor' U.K.

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Simon Cowell is eyeing a return to the U.K. version of "The X Factor" after growing "worried" about the future of the show, according to his long-term friend Sinitta. The program, which was headed by the music mogul from its 2004 debut until 2010, has failed to attract the amount of viewers it did in its heyday, and Cowell is keen to boost its appeal by reassuming his seat on the panel.

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Sinitta tells Britain's Sunday People newspaper, "This has been the worst series ever and Simon wants to come back. He has so much affection for the U.K. show. He is the boss, and he wants to be back on U.K. TV. Simon says 'X Facto'r is his first baby. He worries about the show and there is a lot for him to worry about at the moment. The wrong people are going. He finds it frustrating. He doesn't want the whole thing to fall apart."

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Cowell's spokesperson adds, "He has not ruled out returning to the show as a possibility in the future. It is also no secret that he has missed working on the U.K. show." Cowell has been immersed in his projects in America since 2002, having previously held a position as a panelist on "American Idol" for the show's first nine seasons, launched "America's Got Talent" in 2006, and is currently judging the second season of the U.S. version of "The X Factor."

"The X Factor" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.