Simon Cowell top earner on US television

Simon Cowell is the top earner on US television, according to Forbes magazine – with fellow Brit Hugh Laurie making it into the top 10.

The music tycoon, who became a sensation across the pond through his shows American Idol and America’s Got Talent, is the top-earning man on primetime US television with an estimated haul of £45m in a year.

He beat out The Apprentice host Donald Trump, who came in second with £30m, and American Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest, who came in third with £22m.

But Cowell was not the only Brit in the top ten – Hugh Laurie, who went from comedian to award-winning dramatic lead with medical hit House, was number nine in Forbes.com’s list.

Rounding up the top five are Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen, with £12m, and Steve Carell, who stars in the US version of The Office, with £12m.

The top 10 was based on estimated pre-tax earnings from June 2008 to June 2009.