Love him or loathe him, Simon Cowell is arguably the most influential player in the British entertainment industry and one of Britain's most successful exports. His trademark blunt honesty coupled with his extraordinary business savvy has made him a household name - but what do we really know about this charismatic and sharp-tongued man? In Simon Cowell Chas Newkey-Burden finds out, interviewing friends and old colleagues, and lifting the lid on the professional and private life of one of Britain's most eligible bachelors.