[Amy]

Simon Cowell has claimed he "fixed" the Pop Idol result to ensure 15-stone Michelle McManus won.

McManus, who breaks the usual pop star mould, was supported by the critic throughout the ITV show.

She went on to win and release the album The Meaning Of Love.

But Cowell is reported to tell a BBC Tabloid Tales episode he secured McManus' win through his unflinching support, despite his belief that the Glaswegian would never make a long-term chart star.

He chose McManus because he believed she would be a money-spinner in the mould of his other successes, Teletubbies and Power Rangers.

"She's not a pop idol in the old fashioned sense, though maybe times are changing," he said.

But the acid-tongued critic added: "I thought she should win anyway."

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