Simon Cowell calls Fergie a "trouper"

Simon Cowell has called Sarah Ferguson a trouper for attending the Variety charity gala, despite her public embarrassment over the scandal.

The Duchess of York went to the event in LA to accept her award for her work with underprivileged children

The X Factor judge said: "You know what, to be fair to her, she is a trouper. She did not have to be here tonight. She is very passionate about these kids charity work she does. And not many people would have done what she did".

Sarah Ferguson was recently caught on camera apparently offering to sell an audience with her ex-husband Prince Andrew.

The former royal has since apologised for her part in the scandal, saying she was sorry for her "serious lapse in judgement".