Pressure mounts on Cowell over 'Red or Black' winner
Simon Cowell is facing huge pressure to strip 'Red or Black' winner Nathan Hageman of his £1m prize after it was revealed he beat up a woman.
The 31-year-old bricklayer scooped the jackpot on Ant and Dec's new ITV1 game show on Saturday but it was later revealed he spent two-and-a-half years in jail for assault, after he claimed he broke into a man's house and attacked him.
However, it has now been confirmed the victim was his ex-girlfriend Amy Edwards and ITV bosses and Simon - the brains behind the show - are facing calls to take the money back.
A source said: "It was a vicious beating. Hageman claimed he had attacked a man, but in fact it was Amy who he assaulted. She was left with some very nasty injuries. He is not some brickie with a bit of a violent past. He is a woman-beater. Amy dumped him and he beat her up."
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the charity Women's Aid said of the revelations: "Domestic violence is a serious issue. It's important all broadcasters, including ITV, take their responsibilities seriously and do not condone the kind of behaviour that results in women being beaten and even killed."
It has also been revealed Nathan was arrested last year on suspicion of assaulting another unnamed woman, who refused to press charges.
And relatives of his current girlfriend Jane Makepeace alleged she was treated in hospital for a suspected brain bleed after a violent row with him.
Her sister Rebecca told The Sun newspaper: "They've had a real up-and-down relationship over the last two years, very hostile. Jane was in hospital at one stage with a suspected bleed on the brain."
Responding to calls for Nathan to hand back the £1m, an ITV spokesperson said: "In light of developments we are making enquiries to establish the facts."
