X Factor: Simon Cowell apologises for harsh reaction to getting the Over 25s category

Last weekend’s X Factor was all about the girls, but Simon Cowell briefly stole the spotlight when he threw a strop after being told what category he’ll be mentoring this year.

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by Jack White |
Published on

For the first time ever, the public decided who judges Simon, Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini would be looking after – and the music mogul was NOT impressed with the result.

When hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack revealed he’d been given the overs, Simon cursed and demanded to check the envelope with the results.

He said to the surprised presenters: “Oh, for f**k’s sake – are you winding me up?”

Simon demanded to check Olly's envelope
Simon demanded to check Olly's envelope

Are you sure this is the right name in there? Can I have a look?”

The Over 25s watched in horror from backstage, clearly demoralised by their mentor’s reaction.

While Rita, Cheryl and Nick ran backstage to greet their contestants, Simon sulked over to the judging panel.

Instead of going to greet his group, Si sulked on the panel

After the show, the dad-of-one tweeted his apologies. He wrote: “Sorry for swearing on the show tonight. It’s not big and it’s not clever. Wish Karen Mav had kept a seat.”

One Twitter user was quick to ask if Simon had apologised personally to his Over 25s, to which he assured them he had.

Simon and the Over 25s will face the gruelling #SixChairChallenge this week – so let’s hope he’s feeling differently towards them by then.

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