Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue were lovers

Simon Cowell's publicist Max Clifford has confirmed that the X Factor mogul and former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue were lovers.
"Yes he did have a relationship with Dannii", the PR guru told Exclusive TV.

When asked why Cowell previously denied the romance, Clifford added: "Anyone that knows Simon will know that he's tried to keep his private life as private as possible."

Rumours about the pair's romantic past recently came to light after journalist Tom Bower revealed the music mogul made the claims during an interview for his unauthorised autobiography, Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell.

Defending Cowell's decision to discuss his relationship with unofficial autobiographer Tom Bower, Clifford said:
"Simon had a get together with Tom Bower and certain things were discussed.

"It was Simon's choice, but my attitude is you don't talk to someone like Tom Bower, he's only really looking for the controversial stuff."

Rumours of the pair dating surfaced in 2007 when they were pictured in a car holding hands after a charity event.

Minogue, who split with rugby player partner Kris Smith earlier this month, is said to be distraught by the revelation.

A friend of the singer told the Mirror: "It was all such a long time ago and to have to deal with it now in the wake of the last few weeks is just too much.

'She is incredibly raw and this is the last thing she wants to endure.'
"It looks very much now like Simon simply hired Dannii, used her, then spat her out afterwards."

Sharon Osbourne, who was a judge on the X Factor alongside Dannii Minogue, told The Mirror:
"Dannii wanted to be the mistress of Simon and the mistress of X Factor."

Osbourne added: "I didn't leave the show because Simon and Dannii were f******, I left because she became unbearable. She started bossing everyone around, even the producers."

It has also been alleged that Cowell was secretly engaged to Page 3 girl Louise Payne in the mid-1990s, after the busty blonde's marriage to Right Said Fred star Fred Fairbrass broke down.

A source told the Daily Star; "The telly supremo fell so madly in love with sexy Louise Payne that he begged her to marry him after just weeks together."

However, after a three-year relationship the pair allegedly called it a day after Simon admitted he wasn't ready to start a family.

Cowell has had a string of famous girlfriends including pop star Sinitta, Page 3 stunner Jackie St Clair and most recently was engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy.

The revealing unofficial autobiography Sweet Revenger: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell is set for release on 3rd May, posing the question what other secrets will be revealed?

Browse the gallery below to find out more about the women in Simon Cowell's life!