Truth on those gay rumours
SIMON Cowell finally reveals the truth behind those gay rumours — he’s married to fellow X Factor judge Louis Walsh.
The bickering pair were at each others’ throats after a string of cheeky jibes on Saturday’s show.
But as this sensational picture reveals, it was all just a lovers’ tiff — and the unhappy couple tied the knot at a secret ceremony at last week’s National Television Awards.
Quiz show host Chris Tarrant, 60 — who is currently suffering his own marital strife — conducted the ceremony dressed as a cider-swilling vicar.
Simon, 47, said: “As much as it pained me to do it — I went ahead because I know it would make Louis’s dreams come true. But I insisted on being the groom, of course.
“There’s no doubt who wears the trousers on X Factor.”
Ironically, the picture stunt — for Heat magazine — came as tensions between Simon and Louis, 54, continued to rise.
Simon is still fuming at Louis dumping his act Ashley McKenzie at the weekend.
And insiders are worried the constant rowing could put the next series in jeopardy.
One source said: “All the judges aren’t exactly getting on like a house on fire.
“They’ve started to wonder whether next year it might be better to have new judges. If that happened, that would mean the end of X Factor as we know it. And it would cause a stink at ITV where it’s one of their highest rated shows.”
Source: The Sun 07.11.06
Leona caught up in race row
X FACTOR favourite Leona Lewis won’t win because she is black, her mum claims.
Marie, 42, said her mixed race daughter would lose out to Ben Mills, 26, if they made the final as viewers prefer white acts.
She added: “There’s never been a black reality show winner in Britain. Racism does play a part. How else can you explain Dionne going so soon?
“Ben can fit easily in.” But Marie, who is white, revealed America is already interested in Leona, 21.
(What Rubbish colour does not matter)
Source: The Sun 07.11.06
'I am confident — not cocky'
THE first of Simon Cowell's finalists has been voted off The X Factor - but Ashley today vowed to become a star.
After a nerve-wracking sing-off against Robert on Saturday, Judge Louis Walsh sent the 20-year old singing sensation packing.
It left Simon incensed believing Sharon's act should have been the one to go.
But Ashley - who ironically sang Abba's The Winner Takes It All - said: "I may have been knocked off the show, but I'm on the top of the world.
"I'm more determined than ever to achieve my goals."
The youngster thinks he got the boot because the judges and the public misunderstood his confidence as cockiness, a problem he'd been warned about by mentor Cowell.
Defending himself he added: "People are so quick to criticise if someone doesn't have low self-esteem. I can honestly say I'm not cocky at all.
"I've learned not everything is what it seems.
"Anything is possible - just be strong. The world is your oyster."
Before X Factor Ashley had never sung professionally and never once entered a singing competition.
But he said: "I'm amazed I got this far. My nerves are all over the place. Every show feels like your heart is jumping out of your chest."
Now Ashley says he'll be rooting for the person who puts on the best performance each week, although he does confess to having a soft spot for Nikitta.
"She's only just turned 18, yet she's an inspiration," he explained. "She's been through a lot, but just comes out the other side fighting."
The handsome singer has high aspirations for his future and is keen to get started on new projects.
"I can't wait to be a solo artist," said Ashley.
"I'd like to work with as many people as I possibly can, but I think I'm too different to work in a group or be in a boy band with anyone else."
He added: "I want to be creative in other ways, not just vocally. I want to create projects for talented people who can't financially afford to go to the best academies or performing arts colleges out there."
He added: "I want to thank everyone from the soundman to the producer and to all the names I don't know, thanks for getting the ball rolling for me."
Source: The Sun 07.11.06
