Simon Cowell has ruled out ever having children.

The 'X Factor' chief - who claimed last year he could see himself and fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy having "little Simons" one day - insists raising a family isn't compatible with his lifestyle and admits he doesn't have the "patience" to care for a baby.

Asked if he had now ruled out having children, the 51-year-old music mogul said: "At my age, definitely. The reality is, with the way I live my life, I wouldn't have the patience. I'd sort of want people born at the age of 10, I think.

"[I thought about it for] a little while, but not seriously. I was sort of probably just in the moment. Truthfully, with the schedule, the crazy hours, I don't think it would work."

Despite being engaged to Mezhgan for over a year, Simon appears to be in no hurry to tie the knot.

Pressed about his marriage plans, he told America's GQ magazine: "Let's just leave that one."

Simon started smoking when he was just eight years old and admits cigarettes are still one of the greatest pleasures in his life.

He said: "I genuinely still love smoking. I equate smoking with having a good time. Literally. I shouldn't be saying this, but ... well, they're not illegal, are they? After sex - amazing."