By Rebecca Davison
Published: 16:47 EST, 15 May 2014 | Updated: 18:09 EST, 15 May 2014
Simon Cowell was late to the Caudwell Butterfly Ball on Thursday night after being stuck in meetings, but he soon made up for it by bidding £100k for a painting by Salvador Dali at the charity auction.
The 54-year-old TV mogul was pictured racing to the event with a comical expression on his face as he dashed to join close friend Sinitta who was hosting a table of friends at the event.
The Butterfly Ball, held at London's Grosvenor House hotel, raises millions to provide practical and emotional support for disabled children living in the UK.
In a rush: Simon Cowell appeared to be racing against the clock as he arrived a little late to the Caudwell Butterfly ball at London's Grosvenor House hotel on Thursday night
Simon looked incredibly smart in his suit - and of course his beloved white shirt made an appearance, which showed off a great portion of his chest.
He looked rather sexy in a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and arriving alone, a fan stopped him for a kiss which appeared to take him off-guard.
Despite running late, Simon was more than happy to stop and have his picture taken with another fan who had waited patiently to catch a glimpse of him.
Not today, thank-you: Cowell seemed a little taken aback when one lady tried to nab a kiss from the TV mogul
Specs appeal: The 54-year-old looked rather dashing in his funky eyewear
Sharing is caring: Despite running late, Simon was more than happy to stop and have his picture taken with a fan.
Hey good looking: Sinitta who was hosting a table of friends at the event in which Simon won the bid on a £100k Salvador Dali painting
Take care! At one point, it looked as if Sinitta was about to have a wardrobe malfunction as she clung onto her dress
Sinitta has been an ambassador for the last few years raising money for the charity through TV shows such as Family Fortunes and she looked incredible in a purple cut-out gown.
A spokesperson for the star told MailOnline: 'She is delighted that her friends are joining her table to raise money and awareness for this amazing charity.'
Following the dinner, supermodel Cara Delevingne is expected to join her for some drinks.
Positively blooming: A very pregnant Sam Bailey looked overjoyed to be at the event
So in love: Sam Bailey's husband Craig cradled her baby bump adoringly
What a team! Michelle Heaton arrived on the arm of her personal trainer beau Hugh Hanley
Grecian goddess: Michelle Heaton looked lovely in a white silky maxi dress
The event, hosted by Peter Andre, was headlined by The Voice judge, Kylie Minogue, who was thought to have performed for the 1000 guests who showed up to support the charity.
Also joining in was Sam Bailey who arrived on the arm of her husband, Craig. He could barely keep his hands off his pregnant love and cradled her bump on the red carpet.
Michelle Heaton, who looked lovely in a Grecian-inspired maxi dress and who arrived on the arm of her personal trainer husband, Hugh Hanley.
Black to basics: Gemma Collins (left) and Amy Childs (right) looked elegant in simple black gowns
New parents: Peter Andre, who hosted the event looked dapper accompanied by his fiancé Emily MacDonagh
Snapped back into shape: Rachel Stevens looked slim despite only giving birth to her second daughter Minnie last month
Silver siren: TOWIE star Ferne McCann looked like a treasure in her metallic dress
Still together: Ferne was accompanied by her on-off beau Charlie Sims
Reality stars Gemma Collins and Amy Childs stepped out in matching black gowns which gave them an elegant appearance.
Collins was sporting a slimmed down look while Amy's sexy dress had a see-through panel running down the sides - and Ferne McCann wore a contrasting silver number.
Rachel Stevens looked slim in sequined harem pants and a black box-style jacket despite only giving birth to her second daughter Minnie last month.
Model Petra Nemcova (left) and socialite Petra Stunt (right) rocked the Grecian gowns while Rebecca Ferguson and Holly Candy both wore baggy maxi dresses.
A tale of two Petras: Model Petra Nemcova (left) and socialite Petra Stunt (right) rocked the Grecian gowns
Happy couple: Nick and Holly Candy enjoy a rare night out together
New trend: Rebecca Ferguson (left) and Holly Candy (right) were both sporting baggy dresses
The Little Mermaid: Ultimo founder Michelle Mone dazzled in sequins
Tamara Ecclestone looked incredibly confident, posing on the purple carpet with her hand on her hi alongside her husband Jay Rutland.
Piling her hair on top of her head in an elegant chignon, Tamara looked elegant, particularly as she appeared to have shunned her trademark fake tan for the evening.
She added a touch of class to her look with diamond drop earrings and a matching bracelet which caught the light as she sashayed into the venue.
Well matched: Tamara Ecclestone and Jay Rutland co-ordinate their looks as they attend the Caudwell Butterfly Ball at London's Grosvenor House hotel on Thursday night
Doing her bit: The Butterfly Ball raises millions to provide practical and emotional support for disabled children living in the UK
Showing off his new look was Hairy Biker Dave Myers, who wore a snazzy waistcoat and had grown a twirly 'tache.
He arrived with his wife Lily who was carrying a clutch bag which resembled a piano.
Phones4U founder John Caudwell, who organised the event wore the same gold foil jacket as his son and arrived with his glamorous wife.
In tune: Opera singer Alfie Boe was suited and booted
Golden guys: Phones4U founder John Caudwell organised the event
Show-stopper: Hairy Biker Dave Myers arrived with wife Lili and wore a sensational waistcoat
Bags of style: Amelle Berrabah was rocking a cute Givenchy tote
Good partnership: Nicky Clarke clings onto his girlfriend Kelly Simpkin
Purple power: Melinda Messanger wore a plunging gown which matched the carpet
Legs eleven: Lizzie Cundy showed off her pins in her thigh-split number
This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers.
