Music maestro Simon Cowell has opened up on his relationship with Irish boyband Westlife, admitting that they often sparred.

Cowell, talking on a special ITV programme commemorating the career of the soon to the disbanded pop group, spoke of how himself and the band often fell out.

Westlife, who had been on Cowell's record label Syco for a number of years, were however also described by Cowell as hard working and enthusiastic. He said:

"I don't think I've met anyone who worked as hard as these guys. They were like little puppies in those days. It was all about the fans. In those days the band was so happy and so enthusiastic and just wanted to sing."

"We had face-offs. God we had fights. Me versus five, practically turning into a punch-up over disagreements."

Westlife recently spoke of their disappointment at the chart position of the Gary Barlow-penned single 'Lighthouse' - their first ever single that hasn't broken into the top ten.