Simon Cowell

I turned down many chances to be on TV before 'Pop Idol' because I really wasn't interested in being famous. I didn't need it and didn't want it.

I've always been petrified of working for a boss who I didn't like but who I was in fear of, because I wanted my salary.

I like spaghetti bolognese, I like baked beans on toast. I hate French food. I hate fancy food.

I grew up when the whole Motown thing was huge. The charts in those days were dominated by groups more than solo artists at one point.

I can't admit things; that's why I can't go to funerals and stuff like that. I find it very, very difficult to deal with that kind of reality. I shut myself off totally because it affects me so badly.

I probably get more satisfaction from making a show than being on a show.

I hate belongings. I hate clutter. It really bothers me because I can't think properly. If you've got distractions in front of you, your mind goes nuts.

Thank God kids love following an artist. When you get a group who pop, it's the best thing in the world.

I couldn't think of anything worse than being in an unhappy marriage. It worries me because I've seen it destroy people.

I love TV. I love being behind the scenes on a TV show but there's something about, I don't know there's something very special when you've signed an artist and that first record comes in and it's a good record. It is an indescribable feeling.

The love I have for my ex-girlfriends will always be there, so I think that's true love.

I hated school, but I love work.