Carrying a little Xtra: Simon Cowell looks puffy-faced on outing with ex-fiance Mezghan Hussainy

Carrying a little Xtra: Simon Cowell looks puffy-faced on outing with ex-fiance Mezghan Hussainy

He's been boasting of heavy gym sessions but Simon Cowell is ­certainly looking a bit cheeky on his latest outing.

The Syco supremo â€" who was  overjoyed this week after ­learning the US X Factor has been r­ecommissioned for a third series â€" was snapped getting out of his silver Ferrari on Friday.

Ex-finance Mezghan Hussainy was by his side as he arrived for filming at the contestants’ house in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

An LA source said: “Simon’s in a great place at the moment. He’s been working incredibly hard trying to make sure both shows are a success.

“But he’s just got a new ­personal trainer and has been working out in the gym three times a week. His body’s looking well toned at the moment, but he does look like he is carrying a bit of excess weight round the face.”

Long road: Si still sees ex Mezghan

 

Earlier this week he took to Twitter to talk about his new ­fitness regime, saying: “I now have a trainer three times a week. Feel so much better.”

But Simon later hinted he is still tempted away from his strict regime: “I just read someone is making hot chocolate. Now I want some.” He then added: “And now I want a doughnut to go with it.”

Sources close to the star also revealed he is back on great terms with Mezghan â€" who he split from earlier this year after they had been dating for two years.

A friend said: “Simon still ­really enjoys being in Mezghan’s ­company and he sees her as a genuine friend and someone he can trust. They have been seeing a fair bit of each other lately, but at the moment they’re just good friends.”

Old flame still burns: Mezghan

 

Mezghan was seen jumping out of Cowell’s new silver Ferrari 458 Italia â€" which he splashed out on just months after buying a similar black model for £175,000.

She is currently working on the US X Factor as a make-up artist and consultant. Despite a dip in ratings, Fox TV bosses left Cowell delighted last week after informing him that the show had been recommissioned for 2013.

Simon, 53, who was wearing his trademark white T-shirt, jeans and black brogues, is also said to be pleased with the way the UK show is going.

Despite lower ratings than last year, he thinks the four judges are performing well after early concerns.

A source revealed: “The UK show has come in for some criticism this year, but Simon is very comfortable with the way things are going.”