£1m winner ‘should look to conscience’

Nathan Hageman, 31, won the first big prize on the show, but concern grew after it emerged he had a violent past.

The bricklayer was initially reported to have been jailed for attacking a man, but it has since been disclosed he attacked a woman, thought to be his ex-girlfriend.

Cowell said: “I’m not in a position to force anyone to do anything. Once he got through that’s why he got the money, that’s his own conscience what he decides to do with it.”

He told journalists he thought domestic violence was “disgusting” but said Mr Hageman would still get his money.

He said: “He’s got to make his own decision. Now if was him, I know what I would do.

“I would give away part of the money to the person he had the altercation with and a charity, I mean I would do it.”