WRECKS FACTOR Si: Show’s taken it out of me but my son will shine in final

WEARY Simon Cowell says he cannot wait to crown tonight’s X Factor winner and dash off for a much-needed holiday.

The 59-year-old said he, partner Lauren Silverman, 41, and son Eric will go for their annual Christmas break in Barbados.

And the pop guru’s four-yearold mini-me could be ready for the holiday too as he will have a starring role in the live final – with his doting dad hinting he could even join the panel.

Simon said: “You’ll see me on a jet ski. This holiday is always a great one, I feel more healthy when I’m there because you get out more. It’s one of those times of the year where you look in the mirror and go ‘I’m knackered’. That’s why it’s great.”

The details of Eric’s role in tonight’s live final are being kept tightly under wraps but Simon said: “He is about to step into my shoes big-time.

“You’ll see what we do. A few people have gone ‘You are out of your mind’. Probably but it’s fun. That’s what I like doing.”

Simon admitted he has softened thanks to Eric, adding: “Eric finds me funny and I find him funny. I’ve laughed more this year than in years. It’s chilled me out. We watch movies and then we have these crazy conversations.”

The Syco boss reckons judges Robbie and Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson will all be back next year, claiming they have had a ball this series.

He said: “I’ve spoken to Robbie who with Ayda definitely wants to come back, I hope Louis does too. The truth is they have all had a great time.”

And despite X Factor notching its lowest viewing figures for the live shows in its 14 years, Simon remains positive.

He said: “There’s nothing much you can do about it. If I was a broadcaster I would think we had an easy year.

“This is a stressful job but when you have a great team around you, you don’t get stressed and it’s so much fun.”