Simon's Big Heart

Simon CowellSimon Cowell is Celebville’s Mr Nasty - or is he?

The latest word has it, his heart might actually be dripping with gold.

We know, we were surprised too.

The X Factor judge, better known for dashing peeps’ musical dreams with a bevy of eye-wateringly scathing comments, has revealed his softer side.

He’s paid off the mortgage of a couple whose three-year-old daughter is suffering from cancer.

The heart-warming moment took place when Simon appeared on US show Oprah, along with Leona Lewis, in order to promote her music.

Oprah Winfrey showed Simon a clip of the Stoen family from Minnesota, who have struggled financially since their child, Madelaine, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Simon then greeted the family on stage and announced that he would write an £80,000 cheque for them to pay off their mortgage.

"It doesn’t stop there," Simon told them. "If there’s any problem, I’m her (Madelaine’s) guardian angel now."

He then told Oprah he only just realised how good giving could feel, saying: "It’s taken me 48 years. I credit you with this."

Like a pineapple, Simon’s prickly on the outside but soft and sweet within - that’s our thought for the day, anyway.