Latest news with #EricCowell
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lucy Spraggan reveals she can only speak to Simon Cowell via his partner Lauren Silverman for an unusual reason despite their close bond
Lucy Spraggan has revealed she can only speak to Simon Cowell through his partner Lauren Silverman despite their close bond. The singer, 33, and the music mogul, 65, have developed a good friendship over the years with Simon even walking Lucy down the aisle at her wedding to Emilia Smith. But contacting Simon doesn't come easy as the former X Factor star admitted he doesn't have his own mobile phone. Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'I speak to Lauren all the time. But Simon hasn't got a phone so I speak to him when she's on the phone!' However, Lucy and her wife have stayed with Simon and Lauren in their luxurious homes in LA and the Cotswolds on several occasions and they've even gone on holiday to Barbados together. Lucy recalled: 'He read a poem at our ceremony, which was cute. And he said to me, 'I love seeing you this happy'. It appears Simon's son Eric is taking after his father in the music department as Lucy told how the 11-year-old gave her advice on her new album Other Sides Of The Moon which was released on Friday. She said: 'Eric actually gave me advice for the drums for this album. He's like a mini Simon. He's very funny. He's very, very smart and he knows exactly what he wants that kid.' The singer didn't meet Simon while she was taking part in The X Factor in 2012 because he wasn't a judge on her series. The pair didn't become friends until years later in 2021 after Simon reached out to her under less than happy circumstances. In 2023, Lucy revealed that during her time on The X Factor, she was raped by a porter in the hotel room where she was staying after partying with Rylan Clark. At the time, when she quit the show, it was said to be down to illness. Revealing the assault for the first time in her autobiography, Process, she explained the illness was the strong side effects of PEP medication - a drug given to her by doctors which can prevent someone contracting HIV. On why she decided to reveal the truth 11 years on, Lucy confessed: 'It was scary for sure, it was terrifying, but I knew that if I put it out there - everything - there was absolutely nothing I have to hide from. 'People picked up on that and they said "thank you for talking about this thing, or that thing, because it made me feel really full of shame, and I haven't got any shame about anything". 'And I think that's a nice place to be.' Simon later reached out and apologised for how she was treated on the ITV show, with Lucy then admitting: 'His apology healed a part of my being that I didn't know needed healing.' Asked how it felt receiving the apology, she mused: 'I think whether forgiveness is easy or not depends on the person. 'It's a lot easier to forgive somebody when they apologise, and that's something that's really big for me. I do a lot of work on forgiveness in general. 'They say like hating people is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. 'Truly in my life right now, there is nobody that I don't forgive and there's nobody that I don't wish, peace and health for in this world.' Lucy, who was previously married to Georgina Gordon before their split in 2019, told how she and Emilia have no plans to have children. Married life has inspired her music, witt the title of her latest album inspired by her love story. Discussing her relationship with her wife, she recently told MailOnline: 'We'd been friends for like 10 years. Then at the same time we looked at each other and thought "I'm in love with you." 'Then I wrote the song Other Sides Of The Moon and it's about looking at the same moon. 'We'd been looking at the same moon all the time, but we were just on other sides of it. Now we're on the same side.'
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I admire Simon Cowell but his daft views on children's homework are shockingly irresponsible
SIMON COWELL is one of the most powerful figures in the showbiz world. He can make or break careers through shows like Britain's Got Talent, and millions of children around the country hang on his every word. 6 My son is just six but idolises him and regularly parrots, in exaggerated tones: 'I don't just like it . . . I love it.' So I am shocked by how irresponsible Simon has been by saying there should be a total ban on school homework. Now his legion of little fans around the country will be using the excuse to their parents that they 'don't just dislike homework . . . they hate it'. And then they won't bother. Simon made his ill-judged comments during a breezy chat on This Morning, claiming our youngsters would be happier and less stressed if they didn't have to do 'two hours' homework after a day at school. I get that two hours seems utterly excessive for any young mind after a long day but banning it altogether would be madness. Simon, who is dad to 11-year-old Eric, said that 'schools put too much pressure on kids' when they are 'ten, 11, 12' adding: 'I would say to any teacher watching, ban homework. You'll have happier kids and they'll do better.' Most teachers probably weren't watching daytime TV though, because they were up to their ears in Britain's classrooms, battling the gruelling daily grind of educating our kids. I can only imagine what they will have said when they heard his daft remarks — I'm sure that they rolled their eyes in exasperation. They would be disappointed that such a role model could attempt to cause them such a headache. I admire Simon. He works with children's charities. He has helped so many people achieve their goals. But he seems to have somehow forgotten just how powerful his voice is. And talking about bans is unfair — both to struggling parents who want their kids to excel and those hard-working teachers at the coalface of the nation's education. Simon has said that he didn't actually stress about homework when he was younger because he would 'just throw it away'. Reap the rewards when they succeed But in today's competitive world our kids are not only competing against each other in the jobs market but also against rapidly developing AI and smart-arsed robots too. So they must absorb the key skills homework gives them. It cements what they learn in the classroom, teaches them to study on their own and to concentrate independently; instead of returning home and just scrolling on their phones. 6 It also encourages them to be self- starters and to reap the rewards when they succeed — just as all those dancers, jugglers, singers and musicians have done when they stand up on that stage in front of Simon and his panel. Homework is there to help teachers determine how well their lessons are understood, to teach kids to problem- solve and develop skills such as time management and self-discipline. It shows parents what their kids are learning. It prepares children for important tests and exams — and for tasks and challenges they will face after school. If they have a rounded schooling now they will one day be able to show off their own talents to the world. And they will look back and realise that education can be a real-life golden buzzer. CHANGING a winning formula can be a risky business. But to mark the 100th anniversary celebrations of Chocolate Digestives, McVitie's has announced it's launching a limited-edition Pink Digestives Raspberry & Cream flavour. Stuff the calories – I can't wait to try these bad boys. Becks dream 6 DAVID BECKHAM is guest editing Country Life because he says he has read 'every issue from cover to cover'. I suspect he arranges the glossy mags very neatly on a designer coffee table, but as for reading every word? I hate to accuse Sir David of telling a few porkies . . . but if the flat cap fits. Tattoo much… 6 IF ever there was an advert to show why you should NEVER have dodgy DIY prison-style facial tattoos, Jon Collyer, above, is it. He is one of the three Brits accused of smuggling cocaine in Angel Delight powder, who were then arrested at Bali International Airport and are now facing the death penalty. Those ridiculous tattoos, that somehow make him look as though he's spent half his life in prison, certainly won't help him plead his innocence. Have them where you can hide them, or better still, just say no, kids. Lily pulls rank on her pals 6 SO Lily Allen says she has created a list of friends who she ranks in order of how much she likes them, while her 'assistant' schedules FaceTimes so they can catch up. At first this may seem ridiculous, but actually you've got to praise her for being so organised and for making the effort to keep in touch when so many of us with busy lives don't. I do feel sorry for those of Lily's 'friends' who haven't heard from her in a while, though – because they will now realise she's not just busy . . . they're actually at the bottom of the list. 6 THE Cornish Pasty Association have got their crusty bits in a right twist over the fact a seventh Greggs outlet is opening up in Cornwall. They spat: 'Greggs does not make products in Cornwall and therefore do not sell the genuine Cornish pasties our members make.' Which seems a bit ridiculous. We all know fans go to Greggs for the sausage rolls. The Newcastle company hasn't even sold anything vaguely resembling a traditional Cornish pasty for years. KAREN MILLEN should stick to designing clothes. She has been forced to make a grovelling apology for her ridiculous comments criticising mums who breastfeed their children beyond six months, calling it 'selfish' and 'not normal'. What isn't normal in this day and age is bad-mouthing other women for parenting choices. Unless they are harming their kids, surely it should be a case of each to their own. HAPPY Father's Day to all the dads – and father figures – out there. The Geordie included, who sadly hasn't got his Moonpig card today because they failed to send it. I did get an apologetic email and a credit back for the postage. What customer service. Nothing says 'I love you' more than a happy belated Father's Day card, does it?
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Simon Cowell reveals his biggest fear for son Eric in emotional This Morning interview - and the number one lesson he's passing down from his own father
Simon Cowell has revealed his biggest fear for his son Eric in an emotional This Morning interview on Thursday - and the number one lesson he's passing down from his own father. The 65-year-old appeared on the ITV show and spoke to Jeff Brazier, 46, about being a dad. Simon and his partner Lauren Silverman, 47, welcomed 11-year-old Eric into the world in February 2014. But as the youngster continues to get older, there is one topic that he worries about as a father - having a mobile phone. Simon told Jeff: 'I'm very worried Jeff about how much kids can see at a certain age. I grew up… 'Which was learning things at the right time, the right age, etcetera etcetera. I just would be petrified of him having access to anything, that would really worry me.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. There is also one life lesson that has stuck with him - and he wants to share it with Eric. Reflecting on how his own dad acted, Simon said: 'My mum used to say, manners make the man and my dad was very good about respecting other people and I'm trying to do the same thing with him. 'Which is, don't make it over complicated you know, find your path, be happy, be respectful to other people.' The Britain's Got Talent head judge also spoke about how much he loves being a dad. When asked how much it means to him, Simon said: 'Honestly, everything. 'Out of everything I've ever done in my life, this is the best thing to ever happen to me. 'The very first time I saw his scan, I was literally obsessed. 'When he was a baby, because they don't really do anything, I'm like, 'Well why doesn't he like me?' and Lauren was going, 'He's a baby' and I didn't understand that. 'Then at about a year and a half, we started to communicate, that was magic.' Last year Simon explained the strict rule he has for Eric as he 'couldn't cope' if something happened to him. Speaking to OK! Magazine at the Together for Short Lives Ball, Simon said: 'He doesn't have a mobile phone but a lot of his friends do. 'I don't have one and haven't for about seven or eight years either, so that makes it easier. 'I am very careful with him and social media. 'Like every parent I am very conscious of it and how we protect our kids around it. I would never let him loose on an iPad or computer without supervision - I would just be too nervous.' 'I just could not cope if anything happened to my son Eric. I love him so, so much.' Shortly after they welcomed Eric into the world, Simon told Extra: 'I had a brother when I was younger so I think it's kind of cool to have two. Well, two or three.' Eric's parents Lauren and Simon met back in 2004. The couple dated in secret for a while and then in 2013 it was revealed that they were expecting their first child. Simon and Lauren got engaged in 2021 but the two are yet to tie the knot.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Simon Cowell makes emotional confession as he opens up about the loss of his parents
SIMON Cowell made an emotional confession as he opened up about the loss of his parents. The Britain's Got Talent judge opened up about the realities of fatherhood to son Eric, 11. 9 9 9 Simon, 65, mourned the loss of both his parents as he became more successful in showbiz. His father Eric Philip Cowell passed away at the age of 81, before his mother Julie later died in July 2015 aged 90. It was only the year before that he welcomed his son Eric in February 2014 with his partner, Lauren Silverman. This was before the famous couple officially announced their engagement in 2022. Now, Simon made a heartbreaking admission as he claimed his son 'saved him' after he became "lost" following the death of both his parents. He told PEOPLE: "[Fatherhood has] had a huge impact on me because I loved my parents so much, and once they left, I was kind of lost for a while, and then Eric kind of saved me. "Because that love comes back a hundred times more powerful. I mean, it's extraordinary and it never goes. "So I didn't expect that, and when it happened, it was like, 'Wow.' I mean, it's incredible." The former music mogul and X Factor judge also admitted that his role as a father made his TV jobs 'easier'. This was because he says that he thought about his son more whilst conducting his judging roles on-screen. Most shocking moments of Britain's Got Talent's final - from Simon Cowell egging to horror injury He told the outlet: "[Being a judge on AGT] got easier since I became a dad, because as Eric got a little bit older... I suddenly started to watch acts through his eyes thinking, 'Would he like that?' "Because you want your kids and their friends to love the show. So when he comes down with his friends, they're having the best time. "And that's a great feeling." He also admitted his priorities in life changed once he became a father, because he became less career-focused. I loved my parents so much, and once they left, I was kind of lost for a while, and then Eric kind of saved me Simon CowellPEOPLE Simon added: "You realise that there are other things more important actually than your career. "I know it sounds corny, but I mean, it is the truth. If I wasn't where I am in my life today, I think it would feel quite empty." 9 9 9 9 9 9
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Introducing next generation nepo baby Eric Cowell as he moves more into the spotlight: How Simon and his fiancée Lauren Silverman's son, 11, enjoys yoga and has a godfather figure in Bruno Tonioli - but he's 'never spoiled!'
gave an unprecedented look into the life of her youngest son Eric who she shares with her fiancé Simon Cowell as she opened up in a new interview this week. The 47-year-old entrepreneur and socialite spoke lovingly about Eric, 11, while making an appearance at The Chelsea Flower show with Simon's Britain's Got Talent co-star Bruno Tonioli. Part of the next generation of nepo babies, Bruno insisted that Eric is 'not spoiled at all' and is 'very well brought up' despite his famous parents. Bruno also lifted the lid on Simon, 65, and Lauren's life in the Cotswolds where he said Eric loves to get involved in family yoga sessions when Bruno comes to stay with them. The interview marks the continuation to Eric being more in the spotlight after his life being kept very private for much of his early life. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It began with Eric appearing on Britain's Got Talent with Simon last May after years of the couple not rarely showing his face or speaking about him in interviews. Now Lauren has revealed that Bruno is very much known as 'Uncle Bruno' to Eric who 'loves him'. Bruno added of Eric while speaking to Closer magazine: 'He's not spoiled at all actually. Eric is a very, very, very well brought up kid. I mean he's not spoiled at all.' On Eric now coming to some of the BGT shows as he moves more into the public eye Lauren said in the interview: 'It's a family show. And the nice thing is, like the other judges, like Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, all of their kids and Eric they've grown up together. 'So it's a really nice family kind of vibe there. It's lovely!' Earlier this month Simon gave a rare insight into his family album as he shared pictures of his lookalike son Eric during sun-soaked dog walk. The music mogul shared rare snaps of his 11-year-old son with his 2.7million followers as they posed with their German Shepherd dog. The father and son duo rocked similar outfits for the outing, both donning dark T-shirts with Simon opting for a pair of black tracksuit bottoms while Eric donned black shorts and Nike trainers. Simon and Eric were also seen crouching down petting their adorable pet pooch and the TV star was seen holding a ball in his hand. He wrote: '1. Love, 2. Even more love, 3. It was a long walk'. And in December last year, Simon showed his competitive side as he enjoyed a swimming race with his son Eric. The TV judge took to Instagram as he shared a rare video of the pair as they took to the pool to go head to head. Eric secured the victory as he exclaimed: 'I win I win', before celebrating and ordering his dad out of the shot. Talking to the camera, Simon joked: 'Well that was difficult but it was worth it,' as Eric boasted: 'I won, I won, get out the picture, I won.' The music mogul looked to be enjoying an escape from the UK winter as he donned a pair of stylish shades in the sunny pool. Simon teased in the caption: 'I still think I won! Love, Simon x'. Last May Simon let his son Eric and Amanda Holden 's daughter Hollie gatecrash the Britain's Got Talent auditions. Japanese skipping act Haribow took to the stage, sending the audience wild as they begged the judges to give them a golden buzzer - but all of them had already been used. As the crowd's chants grew louder, Simon said he had 'never heard a reaction like that before' before gesturing to his son Eric to push the button. 'Okay… alright… You do it,' Simon said, as Eric and Hollie, 12, leapt to their feet and darted for the judges' bench, slamming the golden buzzer and sending Harbow through to the live semi-finals. Simon said: 'That was my son, Amanda's daughter, egged on by the audience. We are going to see you in the finals, congratulations.' Last June Simon broke down in tears as he revealed he felt he 'had nothing to live for' after his parents died but that having his son saved him. He spoke in one of his most open and emotional interviews ever on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett where he told how after his losses he 'reached the point where nothing mattered'. He spoke of his incredible relationships with his mum Julie and dad Eric and the devastation he felt at their passing - before being 'saved' when his partner Lauren told him she was expecting a baby. They welcomed their son Eric in 2014 - which Simon said 'changed everything' after his mental state reached the 'lowest level possible'. He said as he broke down: 'Before him I had reached the point where nothing mattered. It all hit me so hard. Being on TV I felt like a clown because I was dying inside. I put on loads of weight. 'If I was going to be hit by a bus the next day - I wasn't worried about anything like that. The whole time was dark. It was the lowest level. I can relate when people say that being alive doesn't matter anymore. 'I thought "what have I got to live for?" I didn't want to take my own life but I thought "if something terrible happens to me it wouldn't bother me". I do still suffer with depression sometimes.' He spoke about descending into a deep depression in the midst of his grief and realised that 'material things meant nothing'. Simon also became a workaholic to deal with his pain, explaining: 'After losing them all the material things I had meant nothing. 'I was on a downward spiral. I was desperately unhappy so I thought I would just become a vampire and I would work till 7am. 'I got addicted to that lifestyle. I had to find something to fill the loss and I became a workaholic. I was very successful but so unhappy. ' On finding out Lauren was pregnant he added: 'I got the call from Lauren and she said "are you sitting down?" That's how you know it's something big! 'And it changed everything. It made me happy again, it was perfect.'
