But according to a survey conducted by Company Magazine, X Factor kingpin Cowell is the man most British women secretly fancy. The American Idol judge topped a list of 15 unlikely heartthrobs primarily on the basis that “he’s so wrong, he’s right”. The estimated £100 million pound fortune that has propelled him up the Sunday Times Rich List probably didn’t hurt either!

Cowell wasn’t the only on-screen star to make the list of men that make women secretly swoon. Prime Minister in waiting Gordon Brown placed 2nd after his “glowering manner” was deemed oddly sexy. TV host Richard Madeley and Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Peter Jones also scored highly with Company’s readers.

The remainder of Company’s Top 15 unlikely heartthrobs was an eclectic mix from the worlds of sport, movies and TV. Comedy lothario Russell Brand rubbed shoulders with Phil Spencer from Location, Location, Location and retired football icon Zinedine Zidane whose propensity for occasional on-field violence didn’t seem to put off those surveyed.

The only star to make the list on age grounds alone was Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. The teenage actor became a Hotlist hit earlier this year after making his West End theatre debut sans clothes in the play Equus and, judging by the results of Company’s survey, his popularity amongst female fans looks set to endure.