Simon Cowell takes surprising jab at Amanda Holden on live television

Simon Cowell is notorious for being a tough judge on talent shows and his blunt remarks are not always directed at the contestants, with his latest jab being aimed at fellow judge Amanda Holden.

During Saturday's live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent, the I Know Him So Well singer decided to go against the grain and criticise a dance act that failed to impress her. 

Liverpudlian dancers Harry and Lewis, who had lit up the stage with a breakdance mashup they thought would boost them to the finals.

Amanda began her judgement on the duo by saying, “Well I'm not going to be very popular. I am going to say thank God for the production and everything else. because I was quite disappointed with that.'”

The 54-year-old’s remark caused an eruption of boos from the audience, prompting her to add, “I can see that you have worked hard and that the choreography and everything was very intricate and that worked hard on it but I don't think it was enough.”

She then noted that she thought it wasn’t a progressive step from their first audition which was quickly countered by Simon, 65, who replied, “I think, personally, it was better than your first audition. I think you make what is actually hard look easy. I think you are skewered a younger audience.”

The record executive then doubled down, candidly insisting that he meant it, while Amanda stared at him in shock.

What is Simon Cowell suffering from?

Simon has admitted to suffering severe migraines, which hinders his time on-air as he has skipped auditions a couple of times.

The entrepreneur also wears red-tinted glasses from time to time during the show to prevent migraines caused by bright lights.

RELATED: Jade Thirlwall takes dig at Simon Cowell as she opens up about the toll of stardom