How do you know Simon Cowell?
I think night time pics need the camera to be absolutely still (I rested mine on a wall). Even with a steady hand there's slight movement as you press the button.
Ixus does look good
Where are the good shops to go to if Jessops is no longer any good?
The Panasonic Lumix is perfectly reasonable. You're probably best off going to Which? and looking at their reviews though...
Which are the ones that have Leica lenses in them? Apart from Leica's own make, obviously.