Just to clarify Nigel Lythgoe's comments in many interviews that I was the original choice for the "nasty judge" role eventually taken by him and then by Simon Cowell but that I was "detained elsewhere".

Not true. Indeed I was the original, first choice but I turned down the role many times - offered well over a million to do it - because I'd done it before, in the 60s and 70s, and had no desire to repeat myself.

The filming for Pop Stars started in September or October, long before I was arrested in late November 2000.

You are far too nice to be nasty ! Entertaining - controversial - able to give a comment - but never nasty.

Therefore, you were totally right to turn it down.

Nigel did a great job in that first series as well - and much of the success of the reality show is down to his talent in selling the original Popstars.

and for the record - how many chart stars have you found/created ( in comparison to the reality shows ) in your career ?

The thing is JK that when you did E-USA, you came across as knowledgeable, energetic and enthusiastic towards whereever yet went to (bar one place yet went to before you went to the Twin Cities!).

I don't think that sort of thing would work with the Lion Pits of Pop Stars, X Factor, BGT etc.

Oh I can be nasty when I try Steve but that was then, this is now - I simply don't like repeating myself!