British television producer and personality Simon Cowell has insisted he could not care less if people think he is gay.

The 53-year-old X Factor judge said he was happily single, and did not mind when people constantly ask when he is coming out.

Speaking to the Radio Times, Cowell said: ‘If I was living 200 years ago in a coal mine, maybe, but I work in possibly the gayest industry in the world! Music and TV!

‘It would make no difference to my life or my career. A lot of my friends are gay, but I’m not and don’t even think that way any more.’

He added: ‘I couldn’t care less because it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It feels like such an antiquated question now.’

On the UK version of the X Factor, Cowell has vowed to change ‘every aspect’ after ratings fell for two years in a row. While he has ruled out returning as a judge, he said ‘it will look like a slightly different show to one you have seen before.’

Britain’s Got Talent, which returns to ITV on Saturday (13 April), will go head to head with direct competitor BBC1’s The Voice.