It was good to see my Simon Cowell biography at number 23 in my local WH Smiths store chart today. I was – pleasantly – surprised because it is not officially published until September, as X Factor fever hots up and we start the big promo campaign for the book.

I’d like to thank everybody who helped with the book, including the numerous people I interviewed for it. I’m grateful to you all.

Meanwhile, here is a sneak preview of the introduction to the book:

‘Excuse me,’ said the middle-aged diner in the American restaurant as he approached a famous fellow diner’s table, ‘if I pay you a hundred thousand dollars, will you stand in our bedroom and insult me as I make love to my wife?’ This is not the sort of request most people would expect to receive from a stranger, but then Simon Cowell is not like most people.

He has become globally recognized for the frank verdicts he delivers to contestants on televison talent shows like The X Factor and American Idol, so much so that ‘Cowell’ has become a byword for blunt honesty. Thanks to the success of these shows and some of the artists they have launched, he has also become incredibly rich, and his ambition shows no sign of abating. When asked what he wants most in the world, he said with characteristic candour: ‘Money. As much money as I can get my hands on.’ He’s getting his hands on plenty: his personal fortune is estimated to be in excess of £100 million.

Cowell’s ascent to such heady heights has taken an unlikely route. His journey to the top of the celebrity tree is in stark contrast to those of the numerous well-known sports stars who spent their childhoods slaving away to perfect their technique, or the actors and singers who endured humourless years being coached by bossy teachers at stage school and pushy parents at home. These budding stars were led to believe that years of exhausting hard work was the only way to achieve those two prized commodities: fame and fortune.

Neither does Cowell’s life follow the familiar entrepreneurial narrative of the kid from the impoverished background whose hunger drove him to extraordinary business success.

Fame came late and suddenly to Cowell. He was unknown at forty-two, nationally infamous by the time he turned forty-three and internationally famous only a few years later. Prior to that he had four decades during which there were only occasional clues as to what the future held. He had a joyful childhood, which he spent rebelling at school and playing ever more devious and hilarious practical jokes at home. His was a happy household that echoed with laughter, and his family was financially comfortable, so Cowell couldn’t be said to have an inherent hunger for wealth.

Professionally, Cowell’s career started slowly. In his twenties he had some success in the music business and lapped up the glamorous perks and lifestyle that came with it. But then he lost everything, and at thirty was forced, rather ignominiously, to move back to his parents’ home. What spurred him on, waking up under his parents’ roof, to become one of the most driven, successful and famous men on the planet? The man named, in a 2008 poll of children, as the most famous person in the world, finishing ahead of even the Queen and God? Where did he derive the confidence to be so unflinchingly frank on television? And what is the truth about Cowell’s much-speculated-upon love life?

Cowell is a man of paradoxes: a straight-talking judge with a cruel tongue but a kind heart. A wealthy man from comfortable stock, he nonetheless has the common touch and is unflinchingly generous. Handsome and charismatic, only one of his romantic relationships has lasted longer than a few years.

X Factor finalist Niki Evans, one of many contestants interviewed for this book, saw some of Cowell’s contrasts close-up: ‘He’s a loveable rogue,’ she smiles. ‘He’s a mummy’s boy, but very ruthless. If he wants something he’ll get it. Make no mistake about that. He’s a hard man with a heart, that’s what he is. People will be shocked to learn about the real Simon Cowell.’

Here is his story…

You can buy it here.