It is no secret that Simon Cowell started his career in the 'business' as a runner at Elstree Studios. It is also no secret that Cowell lived near to the Shenley Road-based studios when he was growing up. But what I didn't know until today was that the music mogul worked on The Shining.

Giving an interview on BBC Radio 3, Cowell's half-brother claimed that Simon used to proudly clean Jack Nicholson's axe in between takes for iconic scenes featured in the classic Stanley Kubrick horror film. This was just one of Cowell's duties as a runner on the film.

I previously remember hearing that Simon Cowell, one of the judges on ITV1's Britain's Got Talent, also worked at Elstree Studios as a runner on Return of The Saint.

I also remember coming face-to-face briefly with Simon Cowell in 2006 when he visited Elstree Studios to attend a plaque unveiling ceremony held in his honour.

I was dressed as Darth Vader at the time (long story!) and was standing near to Stage 7 with a host of guys dressed as Stormtroopers. We were to be part of what turned out to be both a crowd and traffic-stopping parade to the local cinema in Borehamwood to celebrate an anniversary screening of the film Star Wars - A New Hope.

Given his connection to the Jack Nicholson classic horror film, one could say that Mr Cowell is a Shining example to us all!