Jurors at Tulisa's trial were played a secret recording, where the former X factor judge's manager Gareth Varey told 'Fake Sheik' Mazher Mahmood that Simon Cowell was gay.

When Mr Mahmood asked Mr Varey off camera if Contostavlos’ fellow X Factor judge was gay, he replied: "Yes".

Mr Mahmood then asked:"Have you slept with him?", Mr Varey replied: "No".

Asked why he had not, Mr Varey said: "One day I will when I make my move".

SEE: TULISA'S COURT FASHION STATEMENTS

Mr Mahmood then asked: "How do you know he’s gay?"

Mr Varey responded: "I know people who have".

A spokesperson for Simon Cowell - who is a father to young son Eric with Lauren Silverman - has released a statement today, denying the claims.

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It began: "Simon was referred to during the trial without forewarning, resulting in widespread media coverage of untrue claims regarding his private life.

"In 2014 the question of whether someone is or is not gay is antiquated. (As it happens he isn't, though if he were, he would simply have said so).

"However, the issue was the false suggestion made by Mr Varey that Simon - who is renowned for his honesty and candidness - had thus not been truthful in the public arena and this is what we have been obliged to clarify."**

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Tulisa's manager could not be reached for comment tonight.**

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