Holden learns from 'ruthless' Cowell

Amanda Holden has revealed that Simon Cowell taught her to be a bitch on Britain's Got Talent.

The actress said she has been learning from her fellow judge, who is dubbed 'TV’s Mr Nasty' for his harsh put-downs.

She told The Sun that she had become ruthless in the second series of the ITV1 talent search after showing her softer side last year.

She said: “I used to hate hurting people’s feelings and shattering dreams. When I tried to tell an act it was all over, my mouth went dry and my mind blank.

“But I’ve learnt so much from Simon and now I’m ruthless. As time goes by it gets easier.”

The 37-year-old previously said that she had been reduced to tears several times during last month's auditions.