By Jade Watkins


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Close call: Simon Cowell told Barbara Walters on her 10 Most Fascinating People Special last night, that he came close to sleeping with his American Idol and X Factor co-host Paula Abdul


With their endless displays of affection and constant flirtation, there has always been speculation surrounding the nature of their relationship.

With their shared smooches, red-carpet cuddles and apparent sexual tension, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul could often be mistaken as a couple.

Now the 52-year-old X Factor judge has revealed that he actually came close to sleeping with the 49-year-old Opposite Attract singer.


Speaking to Barbara Walters on her annual 10 Most Fascinating People Special last night, Cowell said he considered bedding his friend of nine years, however he was terrified about the aftermath.

'I considered it, but then I thought, "I don't think the after would be as good as the before," he explained.

'I'd let her stay for a few hours, but then it would have to be goodnight,' he joked.

Revelation: Cowell told Walters that Abdul desperately wanted something to happen between the pair


He said that Abdul desperately wanted something to happen between the pair.
'A million percent,' he said.

He explained that during the first season of American Idol the pair couldn't stand each other, on account of her feelings towards him.

'I mean, the truth was, on the first two seasons, we couldn't travel on the same plane together. We really disliked each other that much,' he said.

Plush: Walters conducted the interview in the lush back garden of Cowell's L.A mansion


'I think it was the sexual tension on her part.'

Paula and Simon's love-hate relationship captivated American Idol fans from the moment they appeared on the judging panel together.

Ever since, the duo have been in close contact with one another and now appear on the judging panel for the X Factor, alongside Nicole Scherzinger and L.A Reid.

Suspect: With their endless displays of affection and constant flirtation, there has always been speculation surrounding the nature of their relationship


And during the course of their friendship and television appearances, Simon and Paula have even been forced to lampoon rumours that they are dating.

One skit during an old American Idol episode even saw the duo having a romantic meal together, and sharing a lingering kiss.

Of course, Simon is said to be still currently engaged to fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy.

Longtime pals: Simon and Paula have known each other for nine years, here seen on the American Idol panel alongside Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest


However, he remains good friends with a few of his ex girlfriends, including Jackie St.Clair and Sinnita.

In January, Mezhgan calmly stood by as her fiancé embraced Jackie outside Cipriani's restaurant in London.

Obviously used to her fiancé's lifestyle, she didn't appear too concerned as she watched the clinch between the two.

Ladies in his life: Simon is said to be still currently engaged to fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy, pictured left, however, he remains good friends with his ex girlfriends, including Sinnita, pictured right


In fact, Jackie even joined Simon and Mezhgan on holiday in the Caribbean, along with another of Simon's ex-girlfriends Sinitta, in December 2010.

During his interview with Walters last night, the veteran host grilled him about his Mr. Nasty persona.

Simon said in actual fact, he really liked people.

'I like people,' he said. 'I can usually look into someones eyes and tell if they are a nice person.'




source:dailymail