Simon Cowell has hired Paul McKenna to cure his girlfriend's shopping addiction.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The 56-year-old 'X Factor' boss purchased the session with the famous hypnotist with a £3,000 bid at a charity auction, because he is "concerned" about Lauren Silverman's unstoppable habit.

A source revealed: "It was a huge joke and the whole room roared with laughter when he bid. Simon is concerned with Lauren's shopping and thought this was a great way to bring up the subject without being too confrontational. Lauren, her mum and stepmum thought it was great fun."

Simon and Lauren - who have 22-month-old son Eric together - took time out of their holiday in Barbados to attend the auction, held to raise money for dog charity K9 Friends at the island's picturesque Mahogany Ridge.

And while the TV hypnotist, 52, has asked Simon to be his best man when he marries personal assistant Kate Davey in the spring, their close association didn't stop Lauren from worrying about what might happen when she was being treated.

The insider told The Sun newspaper: "She was a bit concerned later that Paul might make her look silly while under a spell."