Simon Cowell Shocked by Lopez/Anthony Split

Simon Cowell was stunned when Jennifer Lopez's marriage to Marc Anthony collapsed, as he never thought their "bickering" was a sign of more serious problems.

The Hollywood stars announced the end of their seven-year union last week, revealing the decision to part ways was "painful" but "amicable".

Cowell, who was Lopez's predecessor as a judge on American Idol, has now spoken out about the shock split, revealing he knew the couple argued but never thought the rows were serious.

He tells Extra, "I didn't see it coming. They always seemed to get on. They would bicker, but everyone bickers."