The mother of Pop Idol's Mr Nasty turned up with a cut-out of her son to open a Sussex church fete.
Julie Cowell, whose son Simon became infamous for his harsh comments to contestants on the ITV show, opened the event at St Margaret's Church in Rottingdean.
Mr Cowell had promised to open the fete himself but had to cancel at the last minute because of work commitments in the US.
Instead Mrs Cowell, who lives in Ovingdean, did the honours, accompanied by her other son, Nicholas.
Other attractions included the Newhaven Youth Marching Band.
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