X17 XCLUSIVE - Simon Thinks Ellen Will Be A Tougher Judge Than Him!

Like something out of a Grey Poupon ad, Simon Cowell graciously rolled down the window of his Rolls while leaving his mansion for a trip to London, but instead of asking for some mustard, he answered a few questions for photogs!

Simon had no comment on whether or not he'd spoken to Paula since they named Ellen Degeneres the fourth judge, but when we asked if he thought Ellen would replace him as the tough guy on the panel, he said "Yes!"

Now, we're sure that's just British sarcasm as work - anyone who's seen Ellen's turn as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance knows that she's going to keep Paula's tradition of nurturing the contestants rather than breaking them down like Simon!