But if any of the A-listers try to call Simon Cowell, he won't answer – because his mobile is off. And it has been for ten months.

In an astonishing confession, the television mogul revealed he had become so distracted and irritated by his phone that he made himself uncontactable for the sake of his mental health and happiness.

He told The Mail on Sunday: 'I literally have not been on my phone for ten months. 

'The difference it made was that I became more aware of the people around me and way more focused.

'The thing I get irritated with is when you have a meeting everyone's on their phone – and I was probably in that place too. You can't concentrate.

'It has been so good for my mental health. It's a very strange experience but it really is good for you and it has absolutely made me happier.'

The 58-year-old – who recently struck his first deal with the BBC by selling it the rights to contest The Greatest Dancer – also revealed he is considering an offer from the Corporation to buy Britain's Got Talent.