The X Factor judges are having a lot of fun winding up new panelist Rita Ora, even tricking her into complimenting a singer on their French vocals when they were actually singing in Spanish.

Advertisement

It was fellow newbie Nick Grimshaw playing the wind up merchant. According to a show insider, an act from Tenerife took to the stage during this week’s Wembley auditions and sang part of their song in Spanish. Spotting a chance for a bit of a fun, Radio 1 DJ Grimmy told Ms Ora that they’d been speaking in French.

“It was great when you sang in French,” Ora gushed to a no doubt thoroughly bemused singer.

“It was a highlight,” Grimshaw laughed yesterday as he explained to the London crowd that the Poison singer would be absent from Wednesday’s auditions.

“She had a pre-planned gig, said she’d prefer to do that…” joked returning judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

More like this

However, it wasn’t long before Simon Cowell turned the teasing back to Ms CFV, helping her down the stairs and insisting the crowd needed to send #PrayforCheryl tweets after she hurt her foot stepping on a hot hair tong.

“Sorry about that,” she grimaced. “Some of the kids look horrified. My foot’s fine.”

But, of course, Cowell wouldn’t let it drop. “Cheryl shouldn’t even be here on doctor's orders, but this girl’s a trooper. We’re going to get her there. Big cheer for the trooper," he mocked.

Glad to see all’s right on the X Factor panel. We can’t have a year without Simon and Cheryl bickering, now, can we?

Advertisement

The X Factor returns later this year on ITV

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement