Reality TV
© WENN / Manuil Yamalyan
The presenter took over from Kate Thornton as presenter of The X Factor in 2007. Discussing his boss with New! magazine, O'Leary praised Cowell for having time for everyone.
"Simon is a remarkably surprising, down-to-earth man," he said. "You don't get that level of success if you haven't got a touch of normality.
"He's very much a common man, someone you could go for a beer with and who you'd have no hesitation in talking to about anything at all. I clicked with him immediately. He is a really nice guy, not affected, and has time for everyone. He's a showman but his head’s not in the clouds. He is not aloof."
He added: "Simon is a businessman who makes some money and makes sure there are certain standards of performers there for a mass market."
O'Leary recently claimed that Cowell is not the "ogre" some people believe he is.
> O'Leary 'would love US X Factor job'
Related Stories
Tube Talk
This Week's Must-See TVOur regular picks for the shows that cannot be missed in the next seven days.
TV Interviews
'Apprentice' Adam blasts 'superfan' JadeThe latest fired candidate also reveals that he was behind Azhar's tiny shorts.
TV Ratings
'Long Lost Family' finish seen by 4.5mLong Lost Family bows out with a solid 4.5m for ITV1 in the 9pm hour.
TV Recaps
'Homeland' finale: Have your sayHomeland's incredible finale is reviewed by Digital Spy. Share your verdict.
