REMEMBER where you first read this momentous news . . . Simon Cowell has admitted being WRONG about something.
The music mogul has apologised for his harsh words about the 2011 winner of Britain’s Got Talent, Jai McDowall.
Simon said back then he was “disappointed” Jai had come out on top. But ahead of Jai’s BGT return on The Champions tomorrow night, Simon expressed his regret at how he treated the Scottish singer.
In an exclusive chat, Simon said: “I did feel when I saw him again that he’s the definition of a proud man. He didn’t sulk — he just came back to prove a point. And he did.
“I knew I had to apologise to him at that moment. It gave me a chance to say something publicly I should have said some time ago.
“But it was also the fact he had the guts to come back and compete, knowing I wasn’t that supportive the first time he was on the show. I thought, ‘Good for you — you did very well’. I think he’ll get a lot of work off the back of this show.”
To say the pair have a chequered past is an understatement. In the wake of Jai’s triumph, Simon said he “wasn’t one of their best” winners. And soon after winning the show, Jai was dropped by Cowell’s Syco label following poor sales of his debut album.
In response, Jai accused the telly mogul of being “anti-Scottish” for his comments. In tomorrow’s episode, he gets his chance of redemption, as Jai returns to the stage and puts in a barnstorming performance.
When Simon gives him a standing ovation, Jai responds: “You have no idea how much that means — thank you. Thank you very much, Simon, for everything the show has given me. It has given me the lifestyle I can be happy about and the ability to follow my dreams — and I am so thankful for that.”
It’s funny how five more minutes of fame can change your opinion of someone.
Ill guest drama for Rob
AS well as dealing with studio nerves, Rob Rinder had to contend with an audience member being taken ill as he filmed the opening episode of his new show.
Cameras had to stop rolling on The Rob Rinder Verdict on Wednesday when a male guest sat in the front row collapsed to the floor. Rob and his guests Lorraine Kelly and Jeremy Paxman looked on unsure if it was a stunt organised by producers.
The host had been playing an electric-shock game and there was a commotion as first-aiders rushed to the elderly guest’s side. Once he had been given oxygen and taken off into the wings in a wheelchair, Sun columnist Rob told the audience: “I thank you for being so calm during this.”
With luck, next week’s episode will run smoother.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: “During Wednesday night’s record of The Rob Rinder Verdict, a member of the audience was unwell. Filming was stopped straight away and the audience member was immediately attended to by the medical team who were present in the studio. The audience member and their family then returned home.”
bizbit
DAVID Cameron will go head to head with ITV’s Tom Bradby in The Cameron Interview on September 16. It will be his first proper grilling since stepping down as PM three years ago. I can’t imagine what they’ll talk about . . .
Belle’s walking away
LOVE Islander Belle Hassan doesn’t mind shaving co-star Anton Danyluk’s bum – but she has had enough of his infatuation with Craig David .
The makeup artist has ended their relationship just five weeks after this year’s final because she grew tired of Anton’s partying in Ibiza.
He has been pictured enjoying the attention of bikini-clad women while reuniting with Walking Away singer Craig, who is DJing on the White Isle. The pair bonded during Craig’s cameo on the ITV2 hit.
A source said: “Belle has seen all the pictures and videos of Anton in Ibiza. She feels he’s disrespecting their relationship. His obsession with Craig David also made her feel awkward. He seemed more excited about reuniting with Craig than speaking to her.”
bizbit
SARA Cox returns to BBC2 for a second series of Love In The Countryside, starting on September 19. She plays matchmaker between men and women who are struggling to find a partner in their remote rural locations.
Dress is a killer
NO Killing Eve fan will forget the pink dress Jodie Comer wore in the hit drama’s first run. Now they can see it up close when the frock goes on display at a special exhibition staged at Bafta in London.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
The dress is just one of the costumes from the BBC1 thriller going on show, along with other props, models and scripts.
The Bafta Behind The Scenes collection includes a host of other film and telly objects, including the wig worn by Emma Stone in period drama The Favourite.
It will all be unveiled when the academy’s home in London’s Piccadilly reopens on September 17 after undergoing refurbishment.
must watch
WHAT? Scarborough, BBC1, 9.30pm.
WHY? The writing team behind Benidorm deliver a new seaside sitcom set in North Yorkshire, starring comic Jason Manford and Catherine Tyldesley.
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