Tubby Cowell gets trim

X-Factor judge Simon Cowell has decided to trim down after being shocked at seeing himself on television.

13:08 05 February 2005

X-Factor judge Simon Cowell has decided to trim down after being shocked at seeing himself on television.

The 45-year-old millionaire has hired Cherie Blair's "lifestyle guru" Carole Caplin to help him shed some excess pounds and sharpen up his dress sense, Sky News reports.

The music mogul is famous for the high-waisted trousers and tight black T-shirts he wears during the filming of reality TV talent show shows like the X-Factor.

So far, Caplin has helped outspoken Cowell lose a stone in weight.

Cowell, 42, who was spotted this week lunching with his new celebrity trainer, said: "I took a look at myself on telly one day and thought 'I just look too damned fat'.

"So I went about doing something about it. I just cut right back. I don't eat puddings now and just generally do more exercise.

"When I went to Barbados over New Year I felt fine about taking my top off for the first time," he added.