BRITAIN’S Got Talent boss Simon Cowell has admitted that he is not entirely honest with the younger acts on his TV show and revealed his latest ambition – to produce the next leaders’ debate.
Viewers have seen several children impress Cowell and his fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.
Asked whether he had ever lied as a judge, Cowell, pictured, told Radio Times magazine: “Obviously. Sometimes you have to tell what’s called ‘a kind lie’.
“With a kid dance act, for example, that’s not very good... I obviously can’t say what I really think! Especially if they’re a bit fragile...”
Walliams, who was voted TV’s favourite judge, insisted that he had always been truthful, replying: “That’s why I’m the nation’s favourite.
“People don’t realise we see about 650 people over the series and only one in four of those people make it on to the TV. So there’s a hell of a lot of people who are just mediocre.”
Cowell said: “Being mediocre is the worst thing.”
He wanted to spice up the pre-general election leaders’ debates in future by producing them himself.
“I would love to do that! I’d do it in a heartbeat! 100 per cent I’d have walk-ons, music, fire... and a trap door if people didn’t like what they said.
“And I’d definitely have a clapometer. I am deadly serious. Can we start a petition? I really would love a chance to do that!”
He said that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini was his favourite judge, suggesting that she could be back for the next series of the X Factor.
And of Irish judge Louis Walsh, who confirmed he will not be returning to the singing contest, he said: “Louis is a great friend and a brilliant judge but we really still haven’t made any final decisions.
