Simon Cowell says Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is a "great friend".
The 55-year-old music mogul laughs when he reads that he and his fellow ‘X Factor’ judge are at loggerheads and insists they have a very close relationship.
Relations between the pair did become strained when Simon axed her from the judging panel of the US version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2011, but they were able to repair their relationship leading to the former Girls Aloud star returning to the UK version of the talent show this year.
Despite clashing over their acts on the panel – which also includes Mel B and Louis Walsh – Simon insists they get on brilliantly.
He posted on Twitter: "I keep reading me and @CherylOfficial have fallen out. We haven’t. She has proven to be a great friend. (sic)"
Meanwhile, Simon is set to get a sexy Christmas present from Cheryl, 31, and Mel, 39.
The pair are reportedly going to present him with a racy pop art picture of themselves depicting Cheryl holding Mel’s bare breasts emblazoned with the words "Feels So Good".
The artwork was created by American street artist Pegasus – who is now based in London – and is said to be worth £10,000 and the judges want to give it to Simon to say thanks for having them as mentors on ‘The X Factor’ this year.
Leonard Villa – Pegasus’ manager – told the Daily Star newspaper: "He wanted to create a tongue-in-cheek painting of the girls which he thinks all three of them will love. Pegasus thinks Simon is a genius and has given us so much in terms of entertainment and great music, and he wanted to give something back. He’s the artist and if he wants to gift some of his paintings through Cheryl and Mel for Christmas, then it’s a very nice thing to do."
Simon Cowell: Cheryl is a great friend
