News: Simon Cowell's nanny, Heather James reveals all about him

If you’ve ever wondered who gave Simon Cowell his wicked sense of humour – The Mirror may just have discovered the culprit.Step forward Heather James, the devoted and much-loved nanny who cared for Simon and his brothers in the 1960s. Heather, now 73, finds it amusing that such a well-behaved boy as Simon now has a reputation as TV’s Mr Nasty.He has even sent her a signed picture of himself with the jokey comment: “To the person who taught me to be horrible. Lots of love (miss you), Simon xxx” 
Heather says: “Simon was a lovely child and there was no nonsense with his parents, Julie and EricShe adds with a laugh: “I don’t know what on earth happened to him when he grew up. Nobody can get their head around that.” But the new baby is not the only Cowell used to the high life. Heather remembers pushing Simon around in a custom-made pram, taking him to dine in the best restaurants and even a time the normally well-behaved lad was very cheeky to a policeman. Heather was just 20 when she joined the Cowells as their live-in nanny and said the following five or so years was the best time in her life. She says: “I had a super, super life. I went on holidays with them, mainly to the south coast. The children were very good.Heather is thrilled by the birth of Simon’s son Eric on Valentine’s Day and has even offered to lend a hand.

Nicholas, Nanny Heather and Simon

Nicholas, Nanny Heather and Simon

Tony, Julie & Eric (Simon's parents), Nicholas and Simon