Simon Cowell Considered Bedding Paula

Simon Cowell once "considered" getting intimate with Paula Abdul.

The music mogul - who has a love/hate relationship with his fellow US 'X Factor' judge - says there was a lot of sexual tension between the pair when they first met when they worked on 'American Idol' together.

Speaking on TV show 'Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People of 2011', he said: "We didn't like each other in the beginning. I think it was sexual tension - on her part.

"One million per cent she wanted me. I considered it. But then I thought, I don't think the after would be as good as before."

Simon - who is engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy - also joked he wouldn't have let Paula stay the night if they did have sex.

He quipped: "I'd let her stay for a few hours, but then it would have to be, 'Good night.' "

Simon has previously said he loves working with Paula because she is bold enough to disagree with him and he was desperate for her to be a judge on 'The X Factor' In America.

The 52-year-old star said: "What's interesting is she's snappy, Paula. You know, she doesn't like something. I've forgotten what she's like. She doesn't like you to disagree with her. And there were one or two disagreements. But that's why we wanted her on the show. I think it's important that everyone has their own viewpoint. But she is good at spotting talent."