Cowell takes aim at Elton and Paul Weller (VIDEO)

Cowell takes aim at Elton and Paul Weller (VIDEO)
Cowell takes aim at Elton and Paul Weller (VIDEO) (Image credit: AP/Press Association Images)

Simon Cowell has attacked Elton John and Paul Weller for criticising The X Factor and claimed his show is healthy for the music industry. Simon defended the ITV1 talent show against the backlash from parts of the music industry, saying it was 'getting people interested in music again'. Speaking at a press conference ahead of this weekend's final, Simon said: "Elton and I have had this love-hate relationship, but that's why I've always liked him, because he's bitchy. "I haven't heard anything Paul Weller's said that is interesting, so I can't comment on that..." he said. CLICK below to watch Simon responding to critics of The X Factor

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.