Inside the court of KING COWELL

As Britain's Got Talent returns to our screens, we take a look at the star-making power of its creator, Simon Cowell

- CHLOE THOMAS

Simon Cowell is best known as the brain behind ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor – the telly juggernauts watched by millions that produced a host of fresh talent. But look again and it’s clear that, far from just being the puppet master behind a parade of pop stars, Cowell is, in fact, famous for offering stars a new lease of life. Here we look at the people in the public eye who King Cowell has helped along the way.

AMANDA HOLDEN

Britain’s Got Talent’s most glamorous judge was a TV actor before she was chosen by Simon to appear on the panel. Her marriage and divorce from comedian Les Dennis captured headlines, and she went on to appear in various ITV shows, including Wild at Heart and Cutting It. But, it was BGT that really made her a star and catapulted her into the showbiz glare once more. She has since landed a plum role as Heart FM’s breakfast presenter alongside Jamie Theakston, and even signed a recording contract with Virgin EMI records.

STACEY SOLOMON