Cowell slams Halifax ad man's music chances

Simon Cowell has slated the chances of Howard Brown - better known as "the bloke from the Halifax adverts" - becoming a pop star.

The nerdy banker, who has the catchphrase "who gives you extra?", is planning to release a cover of Barry White's classic 'You're The First, The Last, My Everything.'

The single will be released in March and all proceeds will go to the NSPCC, but music mogul Cowell is far from impressed.

"He irritates me on those ads," Cowell told The Sun. "He probably sounds as good as he looks - i.e. he has no chance. It is the worst decision I have heard in my life."

Howard, meanwhile, was more optimistic, adding: "It is something I have dreamed about."