Cowell 'invites Arlene Phillips to party'

Simon Cowell has reportedly invited Arlene Phillips to his 50th birthday party.

Cowell offered the former Strictly Come Dancing judge an invite to irritate the BBC, The Sun reports.

"He just couldn't resist inviting her to his birthday," a source said. "It's a gesture aimed squarely at the BBC."

Cowell is allegedly "still fuming" that the BBC refused to move Strictly Come Dancing to avoid a clash with The X Factor.

Among the guests expected to attend Cowell's party tonight are Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Donald Trump.