Cowell looking for short magician assistant

Simon Cowell is looking for a magician's assistant who is shorter than him.

The 53-year-old TV icon allegedly wants to find a "stunning, slim brunette" who can "handle whips" to star alongside him in the new trailer for his ITV talent competition 'Britain's Got Talent', but is concerned his sexy sidekick might tower above him so has given producers specific casting instructions.

A source involved in the process told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Simon's people are clearly particular when it comes to women. It was very specific - particularly about Simon's height."

However, a source close to the show insisted: "It wasn't Simon who gave instructions. He has no knowledge of it."

Meanwhile, Simon and his fellow judges David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden narrowed down the final 200 contestants to just 45 acts to take through to the live shows.

The lengthy process took place in a London hotel on Saturday and the judges appeared to be struggling to reach a decision, with some tears reportedly shed.

David kept fans updated and tweeted: "Us BGT judges are still struggling to decide..."

He later added: "Now all the 2013 BGT contestants have been told whether they are going through or not."

'Britain's Got Talent' returns on April 13.