Simon Cowell denies gay rumours

Simon Cowell insists he is not gay - he just likes to take care of his appearance.

Cowell has been plagued by gay rumours since launching talent TV shows Pop Idol and American Idol in the U.K. and U.S. respectively.

But the multi-millionaire insists he is not homosexual.

He says, "If I was, why hide it? It's not as if the music business would be an odd place for a gay man to work.

"And, anyway, if I was trying to hide the fact that I was gay, I would be off playing rugby every Saturday, wouldn't I?"