Piers Morgan has named his boss Simon Cowell as ‘the most important and influential celebrity’ in the UK.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge told the Daily Mail that though he tried not to include Cowell on his list of top stars, there was no way around awarding him with the top spot.

Morgan said: “I’ve tried – goodness knows that I’ve tried. But despite straining every sinew, I couldn’t find a convincing way not to conclude that the most important and influential celebrity in Britain right now is The Boss.

“Anyone who can create, star in, produce and promote the biggest TV shows in America, the UK and dozens of other territories has a rare gift. I’ve known him for 20 years, and he’s always been the same: mischievous, arrogant, funny, vain, cunning and loyal.”

He added: “But crucially, he works unbelievably hard, never rests on his laurels, constantly takes risks and hates losing.

“Professionally, and at home, Mr Cowell is at the very top of his game and is therefore the worthy winner of my first Top 100 Celebrities list.”

Morgan’s top ten British celebrities “who really matter” were (thankfully he wasn’t big headed enugh to include himself):
1. Simon Cowell
2. David Beckham
3. Cheryl Cole
4. Prince William
5. Ant and Dec
6. Robert Pattinson
7. Paul McCartney
8. Kate Moss
9. Rio Ferdinand
10. Alan Sugar