Simon Cowell’s American Idol Tiff

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Simon Cowell has had a second televised tiff with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

The straight-talking judge told the chirpy host to “back-off” just seconds into Wednesday night’s programme.

The 50-year-old music mogul, in front of a stunned silent audience, said: “Do you want to get the eyeballing out of the way?” After accusing Seacrest of being “aggressive” he added: “Do you want my job?”

Fuming, he ended the awkward exchange with: “We’re friends right? OK, just don’t ever do that again. Back off.”

The battle of egos began on Teusday when 35-year-old Seacrest confronted Cowell, who is leaving the show at the end of the series, for criticising a finalist.

The row is likely to continue, but it’s all good telly right? And cracking publicity for Cowell’s X Factor franchise which is hitting US shores this year.