Simon sulks

The X Factor judges have finally been told by producers which category of singers they will be mentoring in the latest stage of the ITV1 talent contes

09:22 25 September 2005

The X Factor judges have finally been told by producers which category of singers they will be mentoring in the latest stage of the ITV1 talent contest.

But one judge was far from happy with the choice allocated to him by the show's bosses.

On being called in by producers on Saturday night's show and told he had been given the groups to look after, acid-tongued Simon Cowell protested: "Wrong decision, in my mind. I think I could've done something with the under-25s."

Earlier, talking with fellow judges Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, the music mogul had insisted that he wouldn't have a problem mentoring the groups - considered to be the weakest category in this year's contest.

Trying to maintain a stiff upper lip on learning that he will now have to stand by his words, Simon put on a brave face after emerging from his meeting with the show's producers.

Wandering over to Louis and Sharon he bluffed: "Good! I got what I wanted. I think it's absolutely the right decision."

But Simon wasn't fooling anyone with his pretence. Sitting in the privacy of his car later, he admitted he was pretty gutted about getting the groups.

"It's a disaster. It's the worst possible scenario," he lamented.

While Simon sulks, his fellow judges are much happier with the choices made for them. Sharon whooped with glee on learning that she would look after the over 25s and Louis said he was pleased to have scooped the category he wanted after producers decided to put the under 25s in his care.

Next week viewers will see the three judges put their respective proteges through an intensive "boot camp".