Kate puts X on Cowell

Luscious X Factor presenter Kate Thornton has dismissed speculation romantically linking her with obnoxious show judge Simon Cowell.

12:52 23 August 2005

Luscious X Factor presenter Kate Thornton has dismissed speculation romantically linking her with obnoxious show judge Simon Cowell.

The pair's relentless onscreen flirting has led many to believe that there was perhaps a burgeoning romance between them, but Kate has said this is not the case.

The blonde presenter said: "I don't find him attractive and I wouldn't recommend him as a boyfriend. I think he'd be a sod to date."

However, she conceded that she does adore him, after they met while he was promoting bands to appear in Smash Hits, which she was the editor of for a year up until 1996.

She revealed: "I love him to pieces. He has been an amazing friend and turned my career around."

"Simon and I have known each other for almost 12 years. We first worked together when I edited Smash Hits and he was working for BMG records.

"He used to call me and try to persuade me to put Robson and Jerome on the cover. He had to wine and dine me to try to get coverage," she added.

And as for the flirting, Kate says seedy Simon does it with every lady he meets.

"If you watch Simon with any woman, that's the way he communicates with them," the 32-year-old observed.

Kate is back in the saddle presenting the new series of the grandiose talent trek, which started last Saturday.