Simon Cowell's spokesperson Max Clifford has confirmed his secret relationship with Dannii Minogue.
A new biography The Intimate Life Of Simon Cowell claimed the pair enjoyed an affair when Dannii joined The X Factor in 2007.
Max told Exclusive TV: "Yes - he did have a relationship with Dannii.
"Everyone who knows Simon knows he keeps his private life as private as possible. But it's the truth."
On Simon's decision to speak to the biography's author - former BBC journalist Tom Bower, Max added: "It was Simon's choice, but my attitude is you don't talk to someone like Tom Bower, he's only really looking for the controversial stuff. It was a mistake."
Dannii previously denied a relationship when they were caught holding hands in 2008, saying: "I think it’s just the easiest conclusion to jump to."
Dannii is said to be "in a dark place" following the reports.
A source told the Daily Express: "She's fuming that he has told the world she was his new toy. Who does he think he is?
"Dannii and Simon had a close relationship but he's shown his true colours by referring to her in this way."