Is Simon Cowell losing control of X Factor? Judges stage revolt against show boss

With his shirt unbuttoned almost down to his belt as a rug of black chest hair pokes out while he takes the fate of thousands of pop star hopefuls into his hands, Simon Cowell usually cuts a commanding figure on the X Factor panel.

But it seems he may be losing control as fellow judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw have been rebelling against the music mogul.

And even new hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack have been getting in on the action when it comes to taking the pee out of their boss.

According to Olly, it’s the female judges who now run the show with Simon being forced to take a back seat.

He told the Daily Star Sunday: “The girls are giving Simon a really hard time. In one session at the auditions they actually made him change his mind on a few of the acts.

“Grimmy has been giving him loads of stick as well.

“And me and Caroline call him Uncle Simon backstage.

“I’m not sure he likes it very much. We might get sacked before the live shows.” Uh oh.

Simon is said to be showing his softer side more since becoming father to son Eric on Valentine’s Day last year.

And it seems Rita and Cheryl have taken full advantage of Simon’s more relaxed side.

Rita said: “It’s been hilarious ganging up on Simon. It’s been great having Cheryl by my side.”

Cheryl added: “We’ve all been going for Simon. He’s less of a big brother now and more of an old uncle.”

Nice.

GALLERY: X Factor London auditions outfits