Simon Cowell thought Lauren Silverman should have her own reality TV show.
The 53-year-old mogul - who media production house Syco - is expecting his first child with the New York socialite and was convinced she was more appealing than the stars of reality 'The Real Housewives of ...' series'.
In October 2011, he told editor-in-Chief of The National Enquirer magazine, Tony Frost: "She's much more interesting than any of those tacky housewives.
"[She has] a brilliant eye for talent and a good ear, too!
"That girl's got a terrific future - it's just finding the right niche for her."
Simon described her as "the beautiful Lauren," and her estranged husband Andrew Silverman - whom she has a seven-year-old son with - as "my good friend."
Andrew filed for divorce last month, naming the 'X Factor' boss as co-respondent in papers and citing adultery as the reason for the failure of their marriage.
Simon is reportedly excited to become a father for the first time, but is giving his married lover - who is 11 weeks pregnant - space in order to reach an agreement with Andrew.
He jetted off to Europe this week, where he will spend the month on board his yacht, touring St Tropez.
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