Roman Kemp reveals that Simon Cowell would take a bath and enjoy messages while filming The X Factor

Roman Kemp has revealed that Simon Cowell left the set of The X Factor to take a bath and enjoy massages.

The presenter revealed some of the secrets from his time on the British talent show in recent seasons, chatting with former contestant Olly Murs on his Capital Breakfast show on Thursday.

As the pair discussed Olly’s move to star in a talent show or host one, the singer explained that most judges are “in the zone” when they’re on the job.

But recalling an experience he had while appearing on The Xtra Factor spin-off, Roman shared that Simon was an exception to the rule when he remembered the judge headed for some pampering time during filming.

Olly said the crew sometimes waited “three hours” for the mogul to return before they could start filming, then admitted he remembered the antics too.

Memory Strip: Recalling an experience he had while appearing on spin-off The Xtra Factor, Roman shared that Simon was an exception to the rule when he remembered the judge headed for some pampering time during filming

Olly discussed his role as the host of the talent show Starstruck, in which Shania Twain is part of the judging panel for Series 2 – alongside Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight and Jason Manford.

The Marry Me singer shared that Shania is not the conventional judge, explaining: “Between all the taping of the show, during our breaks, we had all the different judges’ music on and they [Shania Twain] came out and sang every night to entertain the crowd.

“I’ve been on previous shows before, X Factor, all things over the years, a lot of judges will just sit there and not entertain, they’re in the zone, they’re working…”

Referring to The X Factor, Roman replied, “Simon’s taking a bath!”

Olly agreed, remembering that Simon not only loved baths, but would even get a massage during filming.

Roman continued, “When I was working on Xtra Factor, we weren’t allowed to start because Simon wasn’t on set yet and it was three hours, and people would say, ‘Where’s Simon?’ and they say, “He’s in the bath”‘.

Laughing, Olly thought: ‘That’s so true… I need to do that, I need my own diva thing, as the host of the show.’

Roman presented the Xtra Factor in 2016, a behind-the-scenes spin-off of The X Factor.

Guest: The conversation started when Olly Murs guest-starred on Roman’s Capital Breakfast show

Roman explained, “When I was working on Xtra Factor, we weren’t allowed to start because Simon wasn’t on set yet and it was three hours, and people would say, ‘Where’s Simon?’ and they go, “He’s in the bath”‘

Hosting Gig: Roman presented the Xtra Factor, a behind-the-scenes spin-off of The X Factor, in 2016

Spoiled: Olly added that it wasn’t just baths, but he saw Simon leave the judges’ chair for massages (Simon pictured in 2015)

While Olly hosted the main talent show a year earlier, alongside the late Caroline Flack.

The X Factor UK was axed in 2018, but Simon still continues to rank highly on the US version of the show, while also judging Britain’s Got Talent.

While it’s reportedly poised for a 2024 comeback, with Simon recently revealing it’s “more likely than not” to return.

And Olly would like to be involved, recently admitting at the Pride Of Britain Awards that he ‘would love to be involved’.

‘You know, Simon knows where I am. If he ever wants to talk about it, I’d love to be involved,” Olly told The Daily Star.

Presenter: While discussing his role as host of talent show Starstruck, Olly has also previously alluded to a return to the X Factor if it ever makes a comeback

Back in the day: The X Factor UK was axed in 2018, but has been reported to make a comeback in 2024 (pictured in 2008)