Simon Cowell has teased fans about the "very funny" first episode of The X Factor UK tonight (August 31).

The music mogul took to Twitter today to stir up excitement ahead of the new series.

Writing on the social networking site, he said: "X factor back tonight. It's very funny. We may have the biggest X factor plonker. Phil spelt with an F. Plus a future star (sic)."

Cowell also thanked One Direction fans for their continued support on Twitter. The 53-year-old is thrilled at the success of the chart-topping band's new movie 'One Direction: This Is Us.'

He posted: "Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket to the one d movie. It's doing great (sic)."

Cowell recently revealed that he is impressed with how this year's audition process went. According to British newspaper The Sun, after watching the edited first episode he gushed: “It was incredible — congratulations. Great panel, great talent, it could be so easy after ten years to get lazy and make the same show again.

“I’m very proud to be part of this show and once again I feel like a very proud daddy.”