Cowell is moving further into TV production

The 43-year-old Pop Idol judge, who founded the company Simcow, tops Broadcast magazine's chart with a �30m fortune.

He beats high-profile TV personalities such as Chris Evans, Jamie Oliver and Jonathan Ross, and is ranked 23rd on the overall rich list - which includes non-entertainers.

In this listing, Cowell lags way behind Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller, owner of 19 Management, who is at number four with �220m.

The overall list is headed by Viscount Rothermere, head of the Daily Mail group, on �750m.

Cowell, who is back on British TV as a judge on ITV1's second run of Pop Idol, recently set up his production company, partly with his BMG record label.

Top five celebrities 1. Simon Cowell - Simcow �30m 2. Chris Evans - UMTV �25m 3. Jamie Oliver - Fresh One �15m 4. Jasper Carrott - Complete Comms/Celador �14m 5. Jennifer Saunders/Adrian Edmondson - Rashil �10m

BMG released Pop Idol winner Will Young's record-breaking first single, Evergreen/ Anything is Possible, which became the fastest-selling debut single in UK history.

Cowell is also a household name in the US, where 38 million viewers tuned in to see him judge the final of American Idol.

He has signed up for a second series of the show on Fox, and recently produced a dating show, Cupid, for the CBS network - to mixed reviews.

Cowell helped Fuller to develop the Pop Idol concept. He spoke recently of his wish to stay behind the scenes more and concentrate on production.

Just behind Cowell on �25m is Chris Evans, 37 - still financially buoyant despite losing �7m in his court battle for unfair dismissal against Virgin Radio's owners.

Third is Jasper Carrott, 58 - real name Robert Davies - who along with his wife has a 15% stake in Complete Communications, owners of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? makers Celador.

The top 10 also includes Rory Bremner, Steve Coogan, Kirsty Wark and Graham Norton.