SIMON Cowell made his name as a music power player – but now he’d much rather switch off, according to Amanda Holden.
Ahead of Britain’s Got Talent’s return tonight, Amanda has given a sneak peek into the intricate world of the mogul, who at the peak of his career helped launch the careers of bands including Westlife, Camilla Cabello, Labrinth and a host of X Factor artists including One Direction, Little Mix and James Arthur.
However, now Simon’s so intent on leaving his work in the office that he’s given up one major thing to ensure it happens – his mobile phone.
Speaking to The Mirror, Amanda said: “I think his family life is happy, he’s super-secure with Lauren [Silverman] and their son Eric is gorgeous.
“Simon doesn’t have a phone, he doesn’t pay attention to anything and I think that puts him in a bubble.
“That’s how he lives life, and that’s much better for him.”
Despite slowing down on work, Simon is still in demand with not just Britain’s Got Talent, but also America’s Got Talent and its multiple spin-offs.
But rather than fancy networking events, business meetings and parties, Simon, now 64, has toned down his life and now spends weekends in the Cotswolds with his family.
It’s something Amanda, who also owns a property there with husband Chris Hughes, delights in as they can see each other away from work, saying she convinced Simon’s fianceé Lauren to talk him round to the idea.
But back on screen, Amanda is getting ready for some fresh squabbles with Simon, as they return to the BGT judging panel.
Promising to up the ante once again, this year Amanda teased that several of the judges break the rules and press the golden buzzer more than once.
And it’s clear Simon has no plans to slow down his working schedule and stopping BGT anytime soon – with the star saying he pictured the future.
Speaking at the launch of series 17, Simon said: “I always thought, if we can get three or four years out of this, it’ll be amazing.
“Then you reach ten years and you think, that’s a real milestone.
“Now so many people come from all over the world to compete.
“It’s not just about winning the show, it’s about having that viral moment, which can literally change your life overnight.
“I think that’s why people are going to come back year after year after year and keep competing and getting better.
“That’s what I’m seeing – the acts are actually, thank god, actually getting better.
“I think Britain’s Got Talent is going to be here for a long, long time. I really do.”
Britain’s Got Talent returns tonight at 7.30pm on ITV.
