Cowell, Abdul are 'secretly in love'

Simon Cowell has joked that he is "secretly in love" with fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul.

Speaking to TV Guide, the music mogul dismissed speculation of any hostility between himself and Abdul, but admitted that he did find her "annoying".

"Paula's frustrating, she's annoying and I can't understand half of what she's talking about, but there's incredible comfort between us," he explained.

"I think we're possibly secretly in love with each other."

When asked whether new judge Kara DioGuardi would return next season, he replied: "I would imagine so. The only say I have is about Ryan [Seacrest], Randy [Jackson] and Paula. I've always made it clear that I wouldn't like to do the show without them."

He added: "Girls do tend to talk a little bit more than guys...Randy's quick, and I don't say too much. But my God, these two!"

> 'Idol' eager to keep Abdul, Cowell