Cowell is Sue's idol

Jane Lynch has admitted that her 'Glee' character is inspired by Simon Cowell.

The 50-year-old actress, who plays scathing cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the US TV show, believes there are many similarities between the teacher and the talent show judge, nicknamed 'Mr Nasty'.

She said: "If ever there was a guy who tells it like it is, then it's Simon Cowell. You could definitely look at Sue and say there's a lot of Simon in her.

"He's a great inspiration for the character of Sue - there is a lot that I can take from him and put into her."

Jane also said she is "amazed" by the public's reaction to Sue and believes people admire her in the same way they respect music mogul Simon.

She explained: "Simon and Sue say the things people wish they could in their jobs or at their school, but can't because it's not the done thing.

"Just like him, she says what she wants because she can - there is nobody there to tell either of them to stop."

The similarity is so great that 'Glee' fans have even set up a facebook group pleading for Sue to join the 'X Factor' panel - and Jane agrees her character would make a "fantastic" judge, though she would probably clash with Simon.

She said: "People have asked me, 'What about having Sue on 'The X Factor'? How would she do?' I think she'd be fantastic - and there would be a few contestants reduced to tears.

"It can never happen, though. Simon and Sue on the panel will never work - there's only room for one ego on the show!"