SIMON: I will find a new SuBo

SIMON Cowell is on a mission to find another Susan Boyle.

The TV judge, 60, is back with a new series of Britain’s Got Talent next weekend.

And he’s hoping one of the performers will be an amateur who wows the nation, just like SuBo did back in 2009.

Asked to name his dream act, Simon said: “Susan Boyle…absolutely.

“I’d rather have someone who has a regular job but this amazing talent.

“Those acts excite me more than the other type because the stories behind them just draw you in.”

Susan, 59, has gone on to sell 25million records worldwide over the past decade.

And Simon reckons this could be the year we see BGT discover another global star.

Professionals compete on the show to boost their profile, but there will be more amateurs giving it a go this series.

Simon said: “This year there’s a return to nonprofessional acts, which I like. I’m not keen on the acts who already do what they do professionally. If they’re fantastic that’s a whole different story.

“But it’s the middle ground, when they’re just OK…that then gets boring.”

Acts this year including a Tommy Cooperstyle comic and a man who paints using his private parts.

Simon reckons some bonkers telly is just what the nation needs.

He said: “Now more than ever BGT has to be about escapism. “It shouldn’t take itself too seriously.”

The show is still a ratings hit after 13 years – and Simon thinks it is now even bigger than The X Factor, which has had its next series shelved.

He said of the singing show: “It simply wasn’t producing enough stars.”

BGT returns on Saturday on ITV.