Ryan Seacrest's jealous Cowell claims

Aug 19, 2008, 4:00 GMT

04/06/2008 - Ryan Seacrest - Idol Gives Back 2008 - Arrivals - Kodak Theatre - Hollywood, CA, USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

'American Idol' presenter Ryan Seacrest claims Simon Cowell is jealous of his success.

Ryan - who insists he enjoys a healthy, competitive relationship with head judge Simon - believes the music mogul is unhappy with his ever-expanding career.

Ryan quipped: "If anything in my life is positive in terms of business, Simon actually feels a pain in his stomach or his side. If we're in a restaurant Simon will get up and walk outside. He doesn't want to hear it. He does not want to be around if a good phone call comes in."

Ryan is also adamant he isn't bothered by Simon's gay jokes, adding: "I almost think it's strange that nothing bothers me, whatever the joke may be. I encourage it. Whatever it is - I'm short, I'm fat, I'm tanned. I encourage all of it, I don't mind at all."

Ryan is also keen to build his own media empire, like Simon has, and currently has lucrative contracts for presenting and TV production with E! Entertainment news television network, KIIS FM radio and 'American Idol'.

Ryan earns a staggering $12.5 million for presenting the talent search show - the most watched programme on US television.

The 33-year-old star admits he is a workaholic, a trait which has resulted in the end of several relationships.

Ryan - who previously dated Terri Hatcher and TV actress Shana Wall - told Seven magazine: "I don't mind hard work. You've got to work hard to generate something. I don't think there's any secret to success if you show up in the right place, at the right time and you put in a lot of time and effort and energy - you're going to get something out of it. It's not brain surgery."