TV star Ryan Seacrest has blasted Simon Cowell as the "most pompous and egotistical" person he's ever worked with.
The American Idol host insists the outspoken judge's elitist behaviour onscreen is genuine, but acknowledges that's part of his appeal.
He says, "Simon definitely believes his own hype. He asked us to address him as 'your highness' at a dinner party.
"I guess his ego is part of his charm, but he's one of the most pompous and egotistical people I've ever worked with."