To say that the Daily Star has an affinity for misleading headlines is something of an understatement.
Even just this week, we’ve had the ridiculous claim that Imogen Thomas “may become a lesbian”:
As Tabloid Watch pointed out, the whole story was based on a joke made by Thomas on Twitter:
So, not what the front page claims at all. Instead, a jokey remark on Twitter is deliberately misrepresented as it is splashed all over the front page of the fourth best-selling daily paper in the country.
Well, the front page of today’s Star is no exception to the rule:
A cursory glance at the front page would leave you with the impression that Simon Cowell, creator of The X Factor, was dead.
But it is he? Erm. no:
SIMON Cowell is no more – he was killed off yesterday by X Factor’s new head judge Gary Barlow.
Gary Barlow seized control as ITV1’s new-look talent show was mobbed by crowds of wannabes for the first time, and he joked: “Simon who?”
And Gary Barlow last night hailed the end of Simon Cowell.
The confident singer says he is the new X Factor boss and Simon’s reign on British TV is over.
Still, as long as it shifts a few extra copies, eh. Let’s face it – the Star could do with boosting its circulation a little…
UPDATE: After giving the impression that Cowell was dead, the Star is today bringing news of his “fury” from beyond the grave:
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