Jane Lynch inspired by Simon Cowell

Jane Lynch’s Glee character is inspired by Simon Cowell. The 50-year-old actress – who plays scathing cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on the US TV show — believes there are many similarities between the teacher and the straight-talking talent show judge.

“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,” she said.

“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 admitted she is amazed by the public’s reaction to Sue and believes people admire her in the same way they respect music mogul Simon.

“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,” she said.

“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 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.

“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,” she said.

“It can never happen, though. Simon and Sue on the same judging panel will never work in a million years — there’s only room for one ego on the show!”

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