'American Idol' and 'X Factor' judge Simon Cowell has paid off the mortgage of a couple who are struggling financially since their young daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
Cowell, who earned a 'Mr Nasty' reputation on the talent shows, was touched by the story of three-year-old Madelaine Stoen, when she featured on 'Oprah'.
Cowell declared that he would be the girl's "guardian angel" after talk show host Oprah Winfrey showed him a clip of Amy and Randy Stoen and their daughter Madelaine, who suffers from an aggressive form of cancer, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
The couple take it in turns to travel more than 100 miles from their home each day so that their daughter, who has started losing her hair, can receive treatment.
Cowell greeted the Stoen family on 'Oprah' yesterday and told them he had written a cheque for $162,000 to pay off their mortgage.
Cowell said: "It doesn't stop there. If there's any problem, I'm her guardian angel now."
"I didn't know what to do in this situation other than to do something which I hope will help your situation," he said.
"I know you are having problems with your mortgage. As of this afternoon, your mortgage has been paid off."
When Randy Stoen hugged Cowell, the talent show judge said: "I never knew doing good could feel so good."
He then said to Winfrey: "It's taken me 48 years. I credit you with this."
