When Carole met Simon...
He grooms wannabes into pop stars. She simply grooms. As one of the country's best known style consultants, Carole Caplin probably didn't have to audition for her latest project.
The woman who helps Cherie Blair with everything from gym training to fashion has been recruited as Simon Cowell's fitness guru.
The 45-year-old millionaire record producer behind The X-Factor TV pop contest apparently wants to tone up a little.
So far Miss Caplin - who accompanies Mrs Blair on her weekly gym visits - has helped him lose more than a stone.
Cowell, who favours high-waisted trousers and tight t-shirts, has also been given some tips on his wardrobe.
If his adviser's taste is anything to go by, he could soon be swopping his favourite black for rosier hues. Miss Caplin, 42, dressed entirely in pink when she met Cowell and his friend, the model Jackie St Clair, for dinner in Mayfair. Cowell is said to be working on five new television projects, including a gameshow based on big-money gambling.
He said he decided to lose weight after seeing himself on TV. 'I took a look at myself on telly one day and thought "I just look too damn fat" so I went about doing something about it. I just cut right back, don't eat puddings now and just generally do more exercise.
'When I went to Barbados over New Year I felt fine about taking my top off for the first time.'
