Simon Cowell makes surprise appearance at X Factor launch, “Once again, I feel like a very proud daddy," said Simon Cowell this afternoon. Ever the businessman, the 53-year-old Svengali wasn’t referring to the child he’s expecting in six months’ time with partner Laura Silverman, but the new series of The X Factor, which hits our screens on Saturday.
Guests at the Central London launch of the talent show’s tenth series should have guessed there was something afoot when Sinitta – the Eighties pop star whose sole job these days seems to be as part of Cowell’s harem – was spotted in the audience.
So it proved, as the boss made a surprise appearance. Cowell snuck past paparazzi and slipped unnoticed into the darkened screening room in the Mayfair Hotel, just as the press preview of this weekend’s shows got underway. When the credits rolled and house lights came up, he stepped onto the stage to audible gasps and even a couple of squeals.
Wearing his usual uniform of V-necked T-shirt and jeans, plus Harry Potter-esque round spectacles, Cowell recycled the “proud daddy” sentiments he used recently in reference to X Factor alumni One Direction.
He told the audience: “This is the first time I’ve seen the show edited and it was absolutely incredible. Congratulations,” he added, indicating the producers, judges and host Dermot O’Leary. “It would be so easy after 10 years to get lazy and make the same show over and over again, but the enthusiasm is still there to make improvements. The changes really work and the judging panel is fantastic. As is Dermot, of course.”
However, he had a spot of trouble remembering the presenters of ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, referring to Caroline Flack and new co-host Matt Richardson as “Caroline and… the new arrival”. As the audience laughed, Cowell shrugged: “I can’t be expected to remember everyone’s names.”
He saved his last words for the assembled press: “I’d also like to thank you guys, who’ve slagged us off and written the odd nice thing. It’s made us successful and loads of money, so thanks very much indeed.”
Cowell wasn’t the only one in cheeky mood. Earlier, ITV director of television Peter Fincham seemed to have a dig at BBC rival The Voice. Fincham introduced the new series of The X Factor by quipping: “It’s fair to say that no other musical talent show on British television had launched as many stars. Or, indeed, any stars.”
Guests at the Central London launch of the talent show’s tenth series should have guessed there was something afoot when Sinitta – the Eighties pop star whose sole job these days seems to be as part of Cowell’s harem – was spotted in the audience.
So it proved, as the boss made a surprise appearance. Cowell snuck past paparazzi and slipped unnoticed into the darkened screening room in the Mayfair Hotel, just as the press preview of this weekend’s shows got underway. When the credits rolled and house lights came up, he stepped onto the stage to audible gasps and even a couple of squeals.
Wearing his usual uniform of V-necked T-shirt and jeans, plus Harry Potter-esque round spectacles, Cowell recycled the “proud daddy” sentiments he used recently in reference to X Factor alumni One Direction.
He told the audience: “This is the first time I’ve seen the show edited and it was absolutely incredible. Congratulations,” he added, indicating the producers, judges and host Dermot O’Leary. “It would be so easy after 10 years to get lazy and make the same show over and over again, but the enthusiasm is still there to make improvements. The changes really work and the judging panel is fantastic. As is Dermot, of course.”
However, he had a spot of trouble remembering the presenters of ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, referring to Caroline Flack and new co-host Matt Richardson as “Caroline and… the new arrival”. As the audience laughed, Cowell shrugged: “I can’t be expected to remember everyone’s names.”
He saved his last words for the assembled press: “I’d also like to thank you guys, who’ve slagged us off and written the odd nice thing. It’s made us successful and loads of money, so thanks very much indeed.”
Cowell wasn’t the only one in cheeky mood. Earlier, ITV director of television Peter Fincham seemed to have a dig at BBC rival The Voice. Fincham introduced the new series of The X Factor by quipping: “It’s fair to say that no other musical talent show on British television had launched as many stars. Or, indeed, any stars.”
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