X-Factor judge Simon Cowell has responded to rumours that he is secretly gay.
The 48-year-old music mogul said he is baffled by suggestions from some fans that he is too effeminate to be straight.
Cowell told the Daily Mail: "It's probably my mother's influence. If I was, why hide it? It's not as if the music business would be an odd place for a gay man to work. And anyway, if I was trying to hide the fact that I was gay, I would be off playing rugby every Saturday, wouldn't I?"
Cowell also spoke about his refusal to settle down and have children with his long-term girlfriend Terri Seymour.
He said: "I love kids - at least when they are old enough to talk. But my own? No. I'm terrified of the responsibility. Where would they fit in? I have to be able to fly to Los Angeles at a minute's notice."
