He's the self-styled 'baddie' of TV, dishing out sharped-tongued criticism to hopefuls on The X Factor, but Simon Cowell knows what he's talking about. With several successful TV shows under his belt, and the claim to having launched the careers of many huge recording artists - such as Will Young and Leona Lewis - Simon has become the nation's favourite anti-hero.
Now mentoring the Over 25s group, which consists of Danyl Johnson, Jamie Archer and Olly Murs, Simon gives us his thoughts on the show this year.
Q: How does this year's show compare to other years of The X Factor?
A: Of all the X Factor shows I've done, this is the hardest one to call.
Q: Have you been disappointed by any of this year's X Factor contestants?
Advertisement starts
Advertisement ends
A: Stacey Solomon is like a singing candle. She doesn't move. I'd rather see Danyl (Johnson) than that any day.
Q: What do you think about Danyl Johnson being portrayed as cocky?
A: It's unfair. I think from day one, the three other judges said, and I think it was well thought out, 'you're cocky', or 'you're over-confident', which he wasn't, by the way. I think it sticks.
So when he's trying to be an entertainer and putting on a show, people start to think it was cockiness.
Q: What advice did you give the Over 25s after Danyl nearly got voted off?
A: To raise their game. We have got to make them better. We have got to prove the point that it's a singing competition.
Particularly Danyl, because he was in the bottom two.
Q: What do you think of X Factor twins John and Edward?
A: They are completely deluded and live in fantasy land, but they're absolutely lovely. They thought Britney was going to watch their TV performance and wanted to invite Robbie to their party.
Q: Didn't Louis Walsh have a point when he said you had signed Zig And Zag, so couldn't criticise John And Edward?
A: Just to be clear, Zig and Zag were two puppets. If you're saying those two (John and Edward) are puppets, they're his words, not my words.
Q: Which X Factor contestant has made you the most proud?
A: Leona Lewis. Leona is absolutely incredible. I'm so proud of her. She's got worldwide success.
Q: Which X Factor contestant is the most fun?
A: Alexandra Burke. She is absolutely fantastic and she hasn't changed a bit from when I met her.
Q: Who is the worst winner of The X Factor?
A: Steve Brookstein. He's the most miserable.
Q: Would you ever would ever go on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here?
A: There's not enough money in the world to get me on that show.
But then again, I'd rather go on I'm A Celebrity than Strictly Come Dancing.
Q: What is your favourite television show?
A: I can tell you what it isn't, and it begins with Strictly.
Q: What do you think of your Britain's Got Talent co-hosts, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan?
A: Amanda is a little minx. Piers is pompous and annoying.
