The X Factor and Simon Cowell have become British institutions. But the music mogul and his TV talent search have clearly made an impact on the other side of the Pond too.
US funnyman Will Ferrell has spoken of his desire to play Simon in a movie about his life, while producers of The Simpsons are considering putting X Factor contestants John and Edward Grimes in the show.
Will said: "I would love to play Simon Cowell in a movie – it would be my dream role. "He's become a legend in five years. Nobody in the States knew who he was five years ago and now he is one of the most famous people on TV."
The cheeky comic thinks portraying Simon wouldn't be too difficult for him as he's played a similar part before – that of cocky news presenter Ron Burgundy in Anchorman.
"I see a lot of Ron Burgundy in Simon Cowell," explains Will. "Like Simon, Ron was the biggest thing on TV, loved himself and had that whole irresistible middle-aged man thing going on."
Meanwhile, John and Edward – aka Jedward – will no doubt be delighted to hear that The Simpsons team are eyeing them for the show.
A spokesman for producers Fox told a British newspaper: "Castings are not something we can talk publicly about, but we are taking a look at the boys. They are certainly charming and good-looking fellows."
If the 18-year-olds did make the cut, they would go one better than Susan Boyle, who was mentioned on the programme earlier this year, inspiring Homer to audition for Springfield's Got Talent.
This weekend the remaining contestants will sing a song by Michael Jackson, and the king of pop's sister Janet is to give her verdict. Simon had wanted to get Michael himself on the show before his untimely death in June.
