Sinitta: 'Simon Cowell is my rock'

Sinitta has said that Simon Cowell has been her "rock" since her divorce from Andy Willner last year.

The '80s popstar, who used to date the X Factor judge, revealed that Cowell had started a process of "vetting" her prospective boyfriends.

"Since my recent divorce proceedings began, Simon has been like a rock for me," the singer told Love It magazine.

"And Simon's now vetting my dates. He has met a few so far. He does it automatically - whether I ask him or not, I get his opinion. Even if it's subtle - like a flared nostril - I can tell if he is gelling with someone or not. But I appreciate it may be intimidating to introduce a guy to him.

"The fact that it's Simon Cowell could be quite fun for the right person. He's a nice guy and they would have a good friend in him. He's been complimentary so far as to my choice of dates but he's also protective. He doesn't want me to just jump into a relationship because I'm scared of being alone."

When asked whether there was a possibility she could get back together with Cowell, she added: "We recently enjoyed a two-week holiday together in Sardinia. It's true we are close and there was a time when we discussed getting back together, but it hasn't been a recent discussion.

"When you get to a certain age and you're still single, I think your friends are really important and they do tend to be like family. That's the relationship Simon and I have now.

"I still tease him about one day meeting a girl, falling in love and not knowing what has hit him but he just shakes his head and laughs."