Birth name Simon Phillip Cowell

Birthday 7 October 1959

Star sign Libra

Birthplace Lambeth, London

Simon Cowell was born to mum Julie Brett and dad Eric Cowell in 1959. He has a younger brother, Nicholas, as well as half-brothers Michael, John and Tony and half-sister June.

After leaving school at 16, Simon worked in various jobs before his dad found employment for him in the EMI Music Publishing mailroom. Eric worked at the company as an executive.

Simon worked his way up and eventually became an A&R representative and then a record producer.

He went on to set up his own record labels and music companies and signed successful acts like 5ive and Westlife.

In 2001 Simon Cowell became a household name when he appeared as a judge on talent show Pop Idol.

After two series of the programme, Simon co-produced and starred in more shows including Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor.

One Direction were mentored by the music mogul on the 2010 X Factor and became a global sensation.

Simon Cowell has amassed a huge fortune thanks to his many ventures.

The businessman has dated numerous women over the years, including presenter Terri Seymour and make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy.

In August 2013 Simon confirmed that he was expecting a baby with American socialite Lauren Silverman.

Their son Eric – named after Simon’s dad, who died in 1999 – was born on Valentine’s day 2014.