Simon Cowell wants to run the Leaders' Debates for the 2020 General Election

Simon Cowell has promised to inject a bit of razzmatazz into proceedings if he were given the reins of the next Leaders' Debates.

The man who created The X Factor and unleashed Zig and Zag onto an unsuspecting population said he would include a trap door and "fire" if he were to produce the debates in 2020.

"I'd do it in a heartbeat! 100 per cent," he told Radio Times. "I'd have walk-ons, music, fire... and a trap door if people didn't like what they said.

"And I'd definitely have a clap-o-meter. I am deadly serious. I really would love a chance to do that!"

Cowell, dubbed "Mr Nasty" for his acerbic put-downs to hopefuls, says that he doesn't always speak his mind. "Sometimes you have to tell what's called 'a kind lie,'" he said.

"With a kid dance act, for example, that's not very good... I obviously can't say what I really think! Especially if they're a bit fragile."

Cowell backed David Cameron in the 2010 election, writing in The Sun that he "trusted" Cameron, and adding: "I have always hated celebrities lecturing people on politics. So forgive me. But I am passionate about this country.

"I am equally passionate about the potential of the people who live here."

More recently, Cowell was hypnotised by a dog while filming Britain's Got Talent.