Tony Cowell: 'Simon was always vain'

Simon Cowell has always been a vain man, according to his older brother Tony.

The 58-year-old freelance radio presenter and writer, who is nine years Simon's senior, has insisted that all of the Cowell family share the characteristic.

"Simon's always been vain. His house in Los Angeles is full of mirrors. There's one every five yards. We're all the same. If [younger brother] Nicholas walked in here today, he'd look in the mirror and do his hair," Tony told the Daily Mail.

Tony revealed that the music mogul is very close to his mother, adding that she was disappointed but unsurprised by Simon's recent split from Terri Seymour. "Mum hoped Terri was The One but she has to respect that Simon's not for moving, and she's told Terri the same thing," he said.

"She said: 'Simon's been honest with you. He's told you he won't get married and he doesn't want children. Now it's come to a head.' No-one knows Simon better than mum."

Tony also insisted that he is not jealous of his brother's fame and fortune. "I'm asked all the time: 'Surely you're envious of Simon?' I'm genuinely not. If you asked me If I'd like the amount of money Simon has, I'd say: 'No, just give me £5 million and I'd be happy.'"