show ad

All aboard Cowell's loveboat! Mogul's happy harem actually all hate each other, he uses mood swings to control them... and he's got a bizarre blueberry addiction, says insider
By Olga Craig and Charlie Lankston PUBLISHED: 21:11 GMT, 24 August 2013 | UPDATED: 13:56 GMT, 25 August 2013

10 shares 146 View comments

She is stunningly beautiful, immaculately groomed, and plays a crucial part in Simon Cowells life. No, shes not the latest member of the music moguls harem but Slipstream, the 50 million motor yacht that has quietly played a starring role in the international drama that is Cowells love life. And despite all her luxurious fixtures and fittings which include everything from a bubble machine to a private skylounge cinema life aboard is anything but a holiday. As Cowell joins the woman expecting his baby, Lauren Silverman, on dry land nearby, The Mail on Sunday can reveal the most detailed account so far of life aboard the loveboat.

Centre of attention: Simon Cowell lounges with his ex-fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy, left, and pregnant lover Lauren Silverman, right on one of his many luxurious holidays

Quite a view: Cowell's friend and colleague Kelly Bergantz, right and sister Jamie, left, entered the bizarre world on the Slipstream- the music mogul's 200ft yacht

Its a truly bizarre world he creates. Quite mad, our insider source reveals. Cowell is currently darting between the St Tropez villa where he is officially staying with the mother of his unborn child, and the decks of Slipstream, where former girlfriend Sinitta and a bevy of other glamorous female friends are spending time. Indeed, Silvermans morning sickness wont stop Cowell continuing his customary summer break on his floating gin palace, currently moored near Laurens villa.

The deck of the 200ft vessel still resembles a photoshoot for a Pirelli calendar. Beautiful bikini-clad women, their skin tanned and oiled, are draped languidly on artfully arranged loungers. Father-to-be he may be, but Cowell, 53, still loves life on the ocean wave, if only in harbour. And, champagne flutes in hand, his coterie of female hangers-on still fawn upon the only male passenger aboard, hanging on his every word. He, by contrast, feigns an air of tolerant embarrassment, tinged with macho pride. Lauren, 36, the estranged wife of Cowells one-time best friend Andrew Silverman, flew out to the South of France on Wednesday and this weekend she and Cowell were expected to join Sir Philip Green for his party at the new Bar DO on St Tropezs Pampelonne Beach. Meanwhile, as ever, all is orchestrated aboard Slipstream to portray a glamorous harem, happily frolicking together. But life aboard is not the bliss Cowell would have us believe. According to one of his close friends offering the first insider account of life on the yacht under the condition of anonymity it is anything but. In fact, the insider says, it is a claustrophobic cauldron riven with rivalry, and ruled by the manipulative media mogul who dictates the dress code and freezes out those he decides should disembark.

The chosen one: Simon Cowell's affair with Lauren Silverman, who is now expecting his baby, is said to be the 'worst kept secret on board'

On dry land: 36-year-old Lauren Silverman joined Cowell in the South of France this week. Despite their relationship, Cowell invites glamorous women onto his luxury yacht, where they vie for his attention

Believe me, those women hate each other, says the insider, who has holidayed with Cowell aboard Slipstream, which costs 1.3 million a month to charter. And Simon plays them all off against each other. He loves them fighting over him. He makes a point of flirting with a different woman each night, then blanking her the next day. It all helps to explain a quite intriguing question: why so many discarded girlfriends continue dancing to attention even in the humiliating presence of Cowells latest conquest. He likes to cultivate this totally competitive environment and ensures that the women are at each others throats night after night. He delights in the tension among them he causes. They are anxious all the time, desperate to be the most popular, the one to whom he pays the most attention. For Cowell it is all about control, the insider insists. And he ensures he is always calling the shots.

Its a surreal experience. Simons mood dictates the atmosphere on the boat, he says. And the women never know what to expect. One minute he is happy, the next moody and brooding. If he is in the right mood, the yacht can be a real party. Drinking, dancing, having fun. If not, they know to shut up and avoid his ire. Along with 1980s pop star Sinitta, Cowells former fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy is due to fly out in the next few days, as is TV presenter Lizzie Cundy. Jackie St Clair, another long-standing member of the posse, is said to have turned down her invitation because she and Sinitta dislike each other intensely. With Lauren initially away dealing with her divorce, Cowell missed Jackies presence as he likes to confide in her. Simon was on the phone to people for up to six hours a day, the insider says. He is really upset that Jackie isnt there because she is his closest confidante. Others who have been privileged enough to step aboard the boat this summer include Kelly Bergantz, Cowells powerful television lieutenant, her husband Ben Belldegrun and her sister Jamie. Cowells modus operandi is to constantly wrongfoot his bevy of beauties with his mood swings. They never know what he is doing or thinking. He might say midway through dinner that he is going to the lavatory, then disappear and not return to the table Or he will stay up all night and only get up at 3pm the next day. He books tables when the yacht berths, tells the women to be dressed in their best, then doesnt turn up himself.

Seat of power: The yacht's opulent lounge, where Cowell works on the X Factor at 4am and relaxes with his bevy of beauties

Isolated: Cowell's unpredictable mood dictates the atmosphere on board. He often makes plans with the women and doesn't turn up

Moody: If Cowell gets tired or fed up of a member of his harem, he makes sure they know they are no longer welcome on his trips

For both Cowell and his coterie, the relationship is symbiotic. He revels in being surrounded by and photographed with his beauties and they crave the publicity. And no doubt they also enjoy the fabulous luxury, for no expense is spared when it comes to making Cowell comfortable, with a fleet of staff, including an award-winning chef, five stewardesses and two deckhands. Along with the cinema, open-air Jacuzzi, exercise bikes and running machines, the yacht is stuffed with every water plaything available, including inflatable globes that allow the user to walk on the sea, jet-skis and waverunner waterbikes. Much of it is wasted on Cowell, whose tastes are simple. The fridges are stuffed with lobster but most of it ends up thrown overboard. Cowell is addicted to blueberries and has bowls placed all over the boat. A chain-smoker, he believes the fruit will offset his unhealthy habit. He eats only oats for breakfast and steamed fish and vegetables.

Similarly, the source says, the women are obsessed with their weight and barely eat either. Although, occasionally, everyone will pig out. Last week, Dylan Reece, the yachts sous chef, posted a picture of croissant- flavoured ice cream he was making for Cowell on Twitter.

Old friends: Simon Cowell's ex-girlfirend Sinitta often makes an appearance on his holidays

No expense spared: The ship's cinema, open-air Jacuzzi and jet-skis are free to be used by Cowell's friends and acquaintances. Despite being served gourmet food by an awardwinning chef, the slim women are on strict diets

But, says the source: While the girls have nothing to do, he isnt really on holiday. He is working all the time running his empire. He will be watching episodes of X Factor on the plasma TV at 4am. Sometimes he will have the girls sprawled on the bed with him. The news that Cowell was having an affair with Lauren was, the source says, the worst kept secret on board. Once Simon takes a shine to a woman, thats it, says the insider. Among Cowells bevy, there is always the worry that their host will tire of them. The women love the status that being part of Simons harem affords them, he says. They feel that if they arent invited back on the boat year after year, then they are a reject. And when their time is up, Cowell makes it abundantly clear. If he doesnt want them any more he just completely ignores them, the insider adds. Thats when they know it is time to pack their bags and leave. He will just freeze them out and refuse to speak to them. Its very much Simons world. Cowell has always joked about his inability to be faithful, citing it as the reason he had never so far settled down. But if there is one elegant, classy lady he will never betray it is surely the ever-loyal Slipstream.

MOST WATCHED NEWS VIDEOS

Previous

1 2 3 Next

Newsreader's daughter interrupts live TV report

Woman saves children from flood-trapped car in Essex

Little girl shares a kiss with baby gorilla

Sensational moment diver reaches into mouth of shark to...

Baby North pic unveiled for the first time on Kris

CCTV footage allegedly shows Michaella collecting the drugs

Dispatched soldier surprises sis at her wedding

How Christine Keeler looked in the 1963 film The Keeler...

Sultry Sydney Leathers in porno promo for 'Weiner and Me'

Newsreader breaks news of her own proposal

Lifeboat crew pulls Shetland helicopter wreck from sea

Female photojournalist gang raped by group in Mumbai

MOST READ NEWS

Previous 1 2 3 Next

Terrified stooges or calculated smugglers? Incredible...

Former model Christine Keeler, 71, is unrecognisable as she...

Pictured: The THIRD Ibiza girl who escaped drug gang but...

Is this the moment cocaine mules took drugs to the airport?...

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson 'are back together' 17...

'I'm not 100% sure of their story': Peru drug mule's father...

'Everything here is so corrupt. Pray for me': Peru mule...

Will Harry make Cressida his princess? Claims playboy prince...

Is Gregg toast? BBC in crisis talks with MasterChef host...

Fiancee of murdered soldier Lee Rigby left with nothing from...

Diana film's cruel lies about our love, by Hasnat Khan:...

'I'm a vicious alcoholic on the verge of dying': Mike Tyson...

Comments (146)
Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all Svetlana...you took the words right out of my mouth. Perfect analysis. Terry at least has a shred of dignity. I almost feel bad for Mezhgan...that was not that long ago..she probably still thought her and Simon were the primary relationship as Sinitta is just a weird hanger on because she has no life. He did give Mezhgan an engagement ring and in the above pics it does look like they were in a relationship..ie he was with her and Laura was with her husband. Mezgahan needs to collect her dignity and move on...she has also been compensated well too. Move on - Lisa R , NY, United States, 25/8/2013 05:16 Click to rate Report abuse Yuk. I've always thought him disgusting, especially the chain-smoking part. Must make for some NASTY breath! I was married to a smoker, so I know. NEVER AGAIN. EVER!! And this guy has man boobs!! Uck! What woman finds THAT attractive I'll NEVER know!! - bjd , USA, 25/8/2013 05:16 Click to rate Report abuse "he uses mood swings to control them" This is a new low, even for the DM. You mean he suffers with mood swings, which the women involved (or the DM) then report as being intended to control. I wouldn't be surprised if he hates every minute of his life, what with the hangers on. How do you trust anyone living that sort of life? - Kim Jong-Uns stylist , Surveillanceton, Vatican, 25/8/2013 05:07 Click to rate Report abuse Rating 25 Rating 104 Rating 79

A narcissistic personality engendered by these silly women. - shirley , Lonxon, United Kingdom, 25/8/2013 04:50 Click to rate Report abuse OMG have some dignity ladies, he may be famous, powerful in his world and stinking filthy rich but have some respect. If an ordinary guy treated you like this most of us would run a mile!!! Agree Terri Seymour seems to be the only one who has moved on with her life. Simon's loss. - KB , Cheshire, 25/8/2013 04:45 Click to rate Report abuse I find this guy repulsive ewwwww - PIli , West Palm Beach, United States, 25/8/2013 04:40 Click to rate Report abuse BARF - Englishbornnbred , notts, United Kingdom, 25/8/2013 04:33 Click to rate Report abuse HE IS ALRIGHT JUST LEAVE THE GUY ALONE HE IS RICH AND GIVES LADIES GOOD TREATS SO NO ONE IS LEFT OUT WITH A GRUDGE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT I WISH MORE RICH MEN WOULD TREAT THEIR EX LADIES LIKE SIMON DOES I THINK HE IS FAIR EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE A NOTE - Zaki , Edgware, United Kingdom, 25/8/2013 04:33 Click to rate Report abuse They all deserve each other. - ScotAbroad , Phoenix Arizona, United States, 25/8/2013 04:33 Click to rate Report abuse So weird, this entire set up with his behaviour becoming more bizarre by the day. I can't understand the women that hang about him either. Well, they are obviously after some publicity, free holidays and perhaps money but at what price - they must have no self respect. - Helena , Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, 25/8/2013 04:31 Click to rate Report abuse Share this comment The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Rating 101 Rating 118 Rating 69 Rating 70 Rating 112 Rating 102 Rating 135

Like MailOnline

Follow @MailOnline

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group Associated Newspapers Ltd