Simon Cowell wades into Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield row, giving BGT star his full backing
SIMON Cowell has given his full backing to Amanda Holden in her feud with Phillip Schofield.
The Britain’s Got Talent boss, 59, rang co-star Amanda, 48, to say her job was safe despite rumours she could be axed for hitting out at Phil, 57.
Simon Cowell has told how he rang Amanda Holden last week to back her as the feud between her and TV rival Phillip Schofield rages on.
Simon said: “I respect her for standing up for herself.”
Simon told The Sun on Sunday: “Am I on her side? She’s back on the show. I can’t make it clearer than that.”
And sources revealed on Saturday night that in a further show of support Simon gave Amanda, 48, a pay rise amid the escalating conflict.
She is hired for any shows she wants
Simon Cowell on Amanda Holden
Simon’s new BGT Champions show starts recording later this month and will see Amanda reunited with judges Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.
In October Amanda went to ITV bosses to claim Phil, 57, cost her a stand-in co-host job on This Morning by branding her “difficult to manage”. The role went to Rochelle Humes instead.
And last month Amanda told a radio show the three things she wouldn’t like to find in her house were: “Spiders, flies and Phillip Schofield.”
Simon said of the feud: “People were ringing to ask if Amanda was going to be fired, and as her boss I called her to say that wasn’t the case.
I don’t tolerate bullies in workplace
Simon Cowell
“I wanted to give her that reassurance that it was never ever going to affect her relationship with me and Britain’s Got Talent.
“She is hired for the Champions version and any other shows she wants to do.
“Yes, I did respect her for standing up for herself. But I spoke to her as her employer and she appreciated the call.”
Simon also revealed he has zero tolerance to bullies — though there is no suggestion he was referring to Phillip.
Simon said: “I don’t tolerate bullies in the work place. I can give you examples of that, but I don’t speak out about it, I prevent it.”
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A source added of the pay rise: “It was a very clear sign that he backs her, and she has nothing to worry about.”
BGT Champions will feature past finalists and memorable acts from the UK version plus stars from the international series.
Amanda said on Saturday night: “Simon called. We discussed headlines and he was extremely supportive. He is one of my dearest friends.”
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