In tonight’s (4 October) show, the music mogul learns, shortly before the Six Chair Challenge gets underway, that the public have voted for him to take on the over 25s category, having previously listed them as the group he’d least like to be given.
When the news was announced, he couldn’t contain his disdain, swearing aloud and asking presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack whether they were winding him up.
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Simon discovers the news
After asking the presenting duo to double-check that it was definitely true, he quietly stormed off the stage, but not before offering the audience a muted: “Thank you very much.”
And while the rest of the judges ran backstage to spend time with their acts, Simon simply took his seat at the panel, mouthing to fellow judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini that he was “so pissed off”... which, as you can imagine, the over 25s backstage were simply thrilled at.
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His contestants watch the outburst from backstage
We’re not sure exactly what Simon’s problem is, the past two ‘X Factor’ winners, Sam Bailey and Ben Haenow, have both been in the over 25s category, with last year’s runner-up, Fleur East, also falling into that bracket.
Watch how it all plays out in ‘The X Factor’, airing on Sunday night at 7pm on ITV.
'X Factor': Most Controversial Moments
Emily Nakanda's Happy-Slapping Scandal(01 of06)
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Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)