SIMON Cowell today backed Amanda Holden after her extraordinary public bust-up with Sharon Osbourne.

He sent a message of support after the women had a huge online war of words over Cowell and money — which saw Sharon ranting on Twitter at “classless” Amanda over a magazine interview in which she called the 71-year-old “nasty and awful”.

Simon Cowell has waded in to the drama between Amanda Holden and Sharon Osbourne
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Simon Cowell has waded in to the drama between Amanda Holden and Sharon OsbourneCredit: Getty

He chose to stick by Amanda Holden, sending her a message of support
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He chose to stick by Amanda Holden, sending her a message of supportCredit: Sky’s Sex: A Bonkers History

Amanda Holden is well aware of Sharon's prestigious career, but still doesn't want to budge from her position
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Amanda Holden is well aware of Sharon’s prestigious career, but still doesn’t want to budge from her positionCredit: Rex Features / Shutterstock
BGT judge Amanda, 53, had been defending Simon Cowell after comments by Sharon and Louis Walsh on Celebrity Big Brother last month, about the way he ditched them from the X Factor.

Earlier tonight a source told The Sun on Sunday: “It’s one of the first rules of celebrity; you never cross Sharon Osbourne — but Amanda stands by her comments.

“Her phone was inundated with messages of support from loads of well-known names, all sympathising hugely.”

Simon sent a message via text from his fiancee Lauren Silverman.

Raging Sharon slams Amanda after star branded her ‘pathetic’

The source said: “Simon doesn’t have a phone so she did it on behalf of them both.

“For her part, Sharon is at a stage of her career where she really doesn’t give a s***.”

A spokesman for Amanda said: “Amanda is aware of Sharon’s incredible career but, just like her, Amanda will always defend those close to her.”

The source added Amanda still managed to enjoy the sun today as she spent the weekend with her husband and two daughters at their £8million London home.

They said: “It will be business as usual as she returns to her Heart Breakfast radio show tomorrow, and will reunite with Simon at Tuesday’s BGT press launch in London.”

Now-feuding Amanda and Sharon at an awards event together in 2014
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Now-feuding Amanda and Sharon at an awards event together in 2014Credit: REX / Shutterstock

Simon got in touch with Amanda via his fiancée Lauren's phone - as he doesn't have a mobile device
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Simon got in touch with Amanda via his fiancée Lauren’s phone – as he doesn’t have a mobile deviceCredit: Getty

Amanda, centre right, and Simon, far right, pictured at the BGT Photocall last year
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Amanda, centre right, and Simon, far right, pictured at the BGT Photocall last year