The News of the World today reports that Simon Cowell’s right-hand woman Sinitta warned Cheryl Cole to “lay off” Danyl Johnson amid fears he may experience a Susan Boyle-like breakdown.

The article states that Sinitta described Cheryl’s behaviour towards Danyl last week as “quite hideous.”

It also reckons that in her anger at the way Danyl was being treated, Sinitta called Cheryl a “smug Little Miss Cheryl Tweedy-pie.”

After last weekend’s performance and harsh criticism from Cheryl, it seems a tearful Danyl was comforted by Sinitta who roundly defended the singer.

“What people saw as arrogance was actually Danyl putting on a massively brave face.

“People couldn’t handle the fact he was going to tough it out and get through it no matter what.

“But it was all too tough for him in the end. He was overwhelmed and nearly exploded…

“He’s had all the Susan Boyle-type hype and people were going crazy about him. Then he’s had to put up with being vilified and told he’s more hated than Hitler.

“That’s very difficult to take for a young man who has been celebrated then turned against.”

And Sinitta added that she felt judges Dannii and Cheryl were “ganging up” on Danyl. She said, “The girls started ganging up on him. It was like a little tea party.

“I thought they were going to get their knitting out and have a cup of tea together.

“Simon and Louis were on the ends with their hands in the air, saying, ‘Hello! Can we get back to the show?’ It was necessary to get back focus.

“I love Dannii on the end though. She’s fighting her corner now and wants to get in there. It’s a different dynamic.”

Well her words seem to have done the trick because both Dannii and Cheryl were complimentary to Danyl last night, and quite rightly too. He was clearly back on form but I just wish he hadn’t been forced to get so down in the first place.

Great to see him back to A1 standard last night though!

The Daily Mirror reports that some of the X Factor contestants have complained that John and Edward are getting “preferential treatment.”

Among the complaints are that the twins are being given more rehearsal time and “the best slots” on the live shows.

And for last night’s Ghostbusters Theme that the controversial twins sang, apparently choreographer Brian Friedman spent more time with the boys than with the other acts.

However, X Factor insiders have strongly denied the rumours and say that all the acts are treated fairly.

On the subject of the twins’ huge fan base, mentor Louis Walsh told the paper, “Simon should throw in the towel now. They are the only act everyone is talking about.”

And he’s not wrong; it seems for as many people who dislike the act, there are as many who’re backing them to win.

Edward told the paper, “We are bathing in it [fan mail]. There’s mail from Norway, Sweden and Hong Kong, literally everywhere.”

I’m still on the fence about Jedward… I don’t dislike them as people but they can’t sing. And after all, it is a singing talent show and as one of our readers pointed out in a comment yesterday, the boys might have been better placed on Britain’s Got Talent.

However, time will tell of course. I do think it’d be a travesty if they won though! What say you?

If you do, and if you’d been at a recent charity auction to bid on that hour, you’d have paid a princely £19,000 for the pleasure.

Simon and his business partner Sir Philip Green – along with a whole host of other celebrities – auctioned an hour of their time, the proceeds of which will go to their favourite charities.

Sir Philip’s pledged hour sold for £18,000 so Simon’s ego will be surely quite appeased that his hour raised more…

The lucky bidder of an hour with The Cowell was Universal Music boss, Lucian Grainge but no news has yet been forthcoming about what he’ll be doing with Simon for his hour…

I know what I’d be doing with him…

What would you do if you’d won an hour with Simon? Would you have him clean your loo? Dig your garden? Force him to drive around in your Robin Reliant? Let us know!

Hello again, lovely blog readers! It’s that time of the night where we sit back and reflect on the performances that we saw. And yes, we sit in judgement, because we don’t trust everything that Louis Walsh says, and we know that Simon will give his own acts the highest praise.

But really, who were the best and the worst of X Factor’s Movie Week? Well, let’s review (and you can give your own opinions in the comments, as always!)

1. Jamie Archer – Jamie sang a version of Crying from a little-known movie, but excelled by giving an emotional and powerful performance. He showed yet again that his strength might actually be outside of the rock style the show has lumbered him with.
2. Lucie Jones – A relatively unknown song choice for Lucie tonight, which might cost her in the phone votes when people don’t identify with it. However, she managed a great, fun and confident stage presence tonight, which definitely bested her category-mate Stacey’s performance.
3. Stacey Solomon – Stacey isn’t too far behind though. She looked sexy tonight and definitely put more effort into her routine, which deserves praise. A good vocal, but certainly not the best of her X Factor career.
4. Joe McElderry – A safe performance from Joe tonight, but didn’t work for me. I got a terrible Gareth Gates vibe from him tonight which made me question whether he can cut it as a recording artist. Gates isn’t relevant today, so would Joe be any different?
5. Olly Murs – Another fun performance from Olly, slightly on the cheesy side, but enjoyable. I almost placed him alongside Joe because he raises similar concerns: good performer, but can he sell records?
6. Danyl Johnson – Ah, Danyl. I was totally prepared to give him a second chance tonight. But although his performance was confident enough, his rendition of Purple Rain was overwrought and horrible to listen to. It was almost an emotionless, 3rd rate boyband version of the song and a huge disappointment.
   
7. Jedward – Enjoyable, but utterly pointless. Louis Walsh is going to have to face facts soon – if these two win the competition, The X Factor will have to change the prize (a record deal, in case you didn’t know).
8. Lloyd Daniels – Lloyd’s doe eyes are keeping him in the competition, which is a constant reminder that the voting audience don’t much care for talent (or in Lloyd’s case, lack of). I always feel bad criticising this guy, but ultimately he’s drifted out of his depth in the competition and it would be better for him to leave.

Can you predict the bottom two?

For my money, Lloyd should be bottom two this week, and hopefully go home. Jedward could do with a reality check as well. Although if I’m honest, I can see Joe or Olly ending up in the bottom two, depending on the fickle public.

Over to you, tell us what you thought of tonight’s performances!

Howdy, Unreality TV readers! We’re planning a night of X Factor fun and games to celebrate movie week!

Here on the blog, I’ll be liveblogging the whole show, giving you the low-down on what’s been happening, what the judges said, and most importantly what I think of each act!!! You’re invited to leave your insightful and very funny comments, as always.

But there’s more!

• Chat about each contestant’s performance tonight on the Unreality TV X Factor forum.
• If you fancy blogging tonight’s show yourself, sign up for a free account at Unreality Shout and join our X Factor blogging group.
• And don’t forget, send us your opinions via Twitter (@unrealitytv) we sometimes publish the best comments in our liveblog post!

We’ll be back here, live, at 8:00pm. Join me for gossip and chat right here – or go read St. Gordon’s posts over on Unreality Shout, beaming at you live from London!

Let’s get in started! Movie week, yeah!

Louis seems giddy as hell in the introductory VT. I hate it when he has something to smile about, it bodes badly! Dannii and Cheryl are feeling very maternal toward their acts as usual, but will Movie Week hit the spot? We hope so!

The judges walk out amid a hail of sparks and the ever-brilliant Star Wars theme tune. I’d love to hear somebody try to sing that one! But as always, there’s no messing about and Dannii introduces her first act…

Stacey Solomon

Stacey is blethering like a mad thing, as always. We see a bit of footage of her at the Jim Carrey premiere, but the focus is on her sexy song (Son Of A Preacher Man? Yep.) and her hopefully sexy dance moves.

Oh, Stacey looks hot in a figure-hugging all-black ensemble. And she’s moving this week, but not just walking, she’s got a real groove to her performance tonight! Nice ass, if you don’t mind me saying. She’s got a slightly lisp when she sings. I mention it because it’s slightly irksome during the dramatic bit toward the end, but otherwise a great vocal.

Louis: I love your new sexy look. You’ve definitely got the personality for this competition. Cheryl: It’s lovely to see you looking so young and sexy and cool. That was your most confident performance so far. Simon: I would call that a typical talent show competition. It’s like when you eat Chinese food, you still feel hungry afterward. I just don’t think that was a particularly good performance, and that was a lazy song choice. Dannii: That just goes to show how out of touch Simon Cowell is. You’re flirty, you’re fun, you’re young. It’s everything the song should be. You’ve got the authentic tone of Dusty Springfield.

Olly Murs

Olly gets to sing Twist And Shout inspired by Ferris Bueller. It’ll be a great, uptempo tune for Olly, and I reckon it’ll suit him pretty well.

Oh, it’s an unexpectedly elaborate stage routine. Olly descends the staircase to meet a troupe of shapely backing dancers and…oh yes, he really gets into the routine! That was unexpected. Vocally, it’s not an earth-shattering performance, because most of the energy is going into the dancing. A tad cheesy, more Jedward than Shayne Ward.

Louis: I loved your performance last week. I wasn’t crazy about the silly dancing, but I think Simon picked a silly song for a great singer. Dannii: There’s something that looks like you didn’t believe in the song, and why did it go into the Thriller routine. Cheryl: If you hadn’t seen that movie, the dance might seem random. That went down a storm. You are singing a lot of retro songs, I’d like to see you singing something contemporary. Simon: [gets totally drowned out by the audience] All of you are being quite mean tonight – he put on a great show!

Lloyd Daniels

Ah petal, poor Lloyd took a knock last week, having to sing with a sore throat. Losing his voice might have been an improvement. Lloyd gets to pretend that he’s seen the old movie Stand By Me. Despite the movie being set decades ago, Cheryl claims they’ve made it contemporary. What are the bets that they blend it into Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls?

Oh Lloyd, you’re so pretty, but oh so boring. And predictable. I knew they’d do the Kingston thing. I have no useful comment to make other than a paragraph of yawns. Yawn yawn yawn yawn yawn. Tepid.

Louis: The good news is it was better than last week. At this stage of the competition, you’re out of your depth. There are four better guy singers. Dannii: Vocally that was well-chosen for you. It was a nice performance. Simon: Nice like having tea with your mum. The point is, I think right now, you’re out of your depth. You’re competing against some big singers and it kinda feels like you’re giving up at the minute. Cheryl: That’s completely unfair. He’s down on his confidence, but I thought it was your vocally your most comfortable performance so far.

Jamie Archer

If rumours are to be believed, Jamie and mentor Simon are still sparking off each other. It seems like a tempestuous relationship. We see Simon changing Jamie’s song, from Unchained Melody to Crying from a little-known movie called Gumbo(?)

It’s a far more stripped down song, and a sensitive vocal from Jamie, which he seems to excel at. He knows just when to push the performance and when to drop back, I’ll give him that. Good vocal, but the end was somewhat inexplicable.

Louis: I’m so glad you dropped all the silly rock stuff. That was a great song and a very emotional performance. Dannii: Y’know what? It was an emotional performance and it was heartfelt. That’s what we want to see. Cheryl: I think Simon did you well changing the song. I think that song suited you beautifully and you sang it from the heart. Simon: I have to say, this is all about you. You chose that song, this performance was all about you. It was your best performance by a mile.

Lucie Jones

I’m getting bad vibes from my tribe of followers on Twitter. The most repeated word tonight is ‘boring’. I mention that because I really really hope that Lucie can pull this off. The awesome Yvie Burnett advises Lucie to come out and show her true colours. And?

The song is from Camp Rock, a movie I’m not familiar with. A bit wobbly on the vocals. Yo, dawg, that was a bit pitchy. At the same time, Lucie beats Stacey for animated performances. Not quite as good a voice, but she’s young fresh and fun. If they keep giving her the right songs.

Louis: Fantastic song choice. Not an obvious song, but very cool. You remind me of American girls like Taylor Swift. You’ve got star quality. Cheryl: It could have been your song. You just need to loosen up now and enjoy it a bit more! Simon: This is the first time, for me, you have made yourself relevant as a pop artist. Now the song and you are working. It’s not a well known song, but it’s a good song. Dannii: I’m not the only person who loves Lucie! Beautiful performance.

Danyl Johnson

The most controversial contestant this year. More even than the dreaded Jedward. I think he’s definitely the best performer of the series this year, but the hype around him has got everybody riled. They say he’s got a new look, but it’s actually Shayne Ward’s look. Hey Danyl, 2006 called, they want their haircut back.

His song tonight is Purple Rain, the Ruth Lorenzo, sorry, Prince, classic. No, sorry, it isn’t working Danyl. Prince did this with flair and style. This is a bland, tepid version utterly devoid of soul. Yes, it’s note perfect, but passionless. Bring back Ruth Lorenzo!

Louis: Very few people can pick a great song and do it justice. I loved the falsetto. Danyl, you deserve to be in the competition. Dannii: Love the new look. It was a really really good performance. I loved the falsetto, but I don’t love it when you scream. It doesn’t do you justice. Cheryl: I like your demeanour tonight Danyl. It’s kinda like you lost that cocky attitude you began with, but you’re not that broken man we saw last week. Simon: That was an outstanding vocal. I really mean this. I think this show has found a great great singer, who was almost broken, who now has his confidence back up.

John and Edward (aka Jedward)

I’m not in the mood for these morons tonight. Seriously. After some quite dull performances from the contestants, I’m not interested in the comic relief. But at least Louis Walsh is practising what he preaches and giving them a strictly movie song.

I’m fighting to hate it to be honest. The song itself begs to be loved, and in contrast with the other acts, at least this is a bit dumb. Even Simon is smiling. Total rubbish, but more fun than anything else this evening.

Dannii: I’ve got no idea of anything constructive to say. You either talk or you rap, so I’m wondering what you’ll release if you get a deal. Cheryl: You bring fun to this show. Whether people like you or not, it’s fun to watch. Kids from 3 to 10 absolutely adore you. Simon: I think we’ve established that you can’t sing. But, this was actually a good song for you because based on some of the horrors we’ve seen before, this was…sort of good. It was more entertaining than some of the more karaoke stuff I’ve seen before.

Joe McElderry

Now that Rachel’s gone, Joe is one of my favourites to win the show. Just a down to earth, sweet, unassuming guy and a good performer and vocalist too. He’ll be singing Circle Of Life tonight. The only thing I worry about with Joe is the tiny Gareth Gates vibe I get from him.

I’m seeing a little of that tonight. The vocal was a little dissatisfying for me at the start, but improves as the song goes on. Still, not much performance from Joe tonight.

Louis: You tick all the boxes. I do think you’re more musical theatre than pop star. I think the song was predictable and safe. Dannii: Coming from the mentor of John and Edward, you’re looking for a pop star? You are the best male vocalist in the competition hands down. You’re the most likable. Your voice is strong, but I didn’t like the production on this song, I didn’t really get it. Simon: I thought it was a perfect song for you. I liked the production, but what I didn’t like is the fact that you’ve gotta stop this stage-school swaying. You’ve got to take the mic, believe in yourself. I think you’re commercial, I think you know who you are, and you should enjoy this moment. Cheryl: I’m just so proud to watch you up there singing.

A little bit of a hissy fit from Louis as Dermot challenges him on stage “I’M A JUDGE DERMOT, YOU’RE ONLY A PRESENTER!!!” Ouch, get back on your box Dermot? No, Louis has made a joke of this show this year. What an ugly little display from Walsh.

X Factor star Danyl Johnson has been telling Now magazine that he’s “trying to ignore” the outpouring of bad press that’s haunted him over the past couple of weeks.

Danyl told the magazine, “I don’t read the papers because good and bad stuff can go to your head or get you down.”

He went on to say, “You can’t get away from it because people will let you know about different things.

“But I just try to keep focused and keep my mind on the game in hand.”

When asked how he felt about Simon describing his very first audition as “the best I’ve ever seen”, Danyl said, “You think, ‘Great, now I’m going to be rubbish’.

“I totally suffered from that because it was like, ‘What else do I do?’

“But Simon’s on our side. I speak to him all the time.”

I hope Danyl’s managed to pick himself up for this week’s show; he was clearly very upset last week and didn’t do himself any favours.

Don’t forget to join us here at Unreality for a live blog from 8pm!

Singing sensation Hayley Westenra has told the PA that she thinks Simon Cowell would “slate” her if she turned up for an X Factor audition.

“I don’t know how I’d have fared on a reality show” Hayley said, adding, “I think Simon Cowell would have slated me.

“You have to be a certain type of singer and have a certain type of appeal.”

Hayley went on to say that although she wouldn’t want to have to be on the show – as a contestant – it has produced some “genuine talent”

“A lot people can run down these shows but they can bring up a lot of good talent.

“There’s a lot of great talent out there and it can be hard to find an opportunity to get noticed.”

Hayley spoke of her X Factor audition fears as she performed on the Children in Need charity album, Bandaged Together, with Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead and Sir Terry Wogan.

The proud dad of X Factor twins, John and Edward, has told the Daily Star that his boys won’t be cowed by “bullies”.

John Snr told the paper how the boys were taunted as children because of their extrovert characters and “wacky clothes”.

And responding to the news that there are ‘hate’ groups on Facebook – which contain such worrying comments from the site’s visitors, it may be closed down amid security concerns – John Snr said, “Some of the things said were vicious and as parents it knocks you for six..

“There’s been booing and that’s tough because they’re so young. The first week the boys were on the show they were shocked at all the hate campaigns on the internet.

“But they’ve grown in confidence now – they take it with a pinch of salt. They haven’t been reduced to tears and I’d be surprised if they were.

“They were born to do this but at the same time they know it’s entertainment and don’t take it too seriously. They’re determined to enjoy it.”

A source from John and Edward’s hometown on the outskirts of Dublin told the paper, “They were bullied almost every day because they didn’t fit in.

“When everyone else was in tracksuit bottoms and trainers, they were in matching suits and ties.

“They even turned up to play football wearing skintight jeans and shiny shoes. They’ve always had the big hair too.”

However, Harvey Kindblom, a John and Edward fan who was interviewed outside the X Factor house, told the paper, “I love the twins – they are really nice and they come out and talk to us.

“They can’t sing or dance very well but they are great entertainment. I know they’re not the best but I think they should win.”

That just about sums up what fans of Jedward feel about them. What say you? Should the twins stay in the show and do they have any chance of winning?

According to the Sun newspaper today, Jamie ‘Afro’ Archer is threatening to leave The X Factor following another row with his mentor, Simon Cowell.

The paper claims that rockers Bon Jovi were so impressed by Jamie when they heard him sing last week, that they invited him to tour with them as a support act, however, it appears Simon refused to allow Jamie to go, claiming he was contracted to the show.

This latest row follows a bust-up Simon and Jamie allegedly had a couple of weeks ago when Simon insisted that Jamie change his song choice just hours before the show.

The paper quotes a source who’s close to Jamie as saying, “Jamie’s fed up with the competition and how Simon is treating him.

“He was on the verge of quitting at the weekend because he was so angry at being given rubbish songs and some judges’ comments. He hasn’t forgiven Simon for changing his song…

“Their relationship is not great. There were already serious cracks but now it’s more like the Grand Canyon.

“Jon Bon Jovi came up to him after the Sunday show, told him he liked him and offered him a support act role on the tour.

“Jamie was thrilled but his contract means he is tied to X Factor and wouldn’t be able to do it. He was absolutely gutted and it made for a tense week between him and Simon.

“He feels Simon gives him rubbish songs to make people vote for Olly Murs and Danyl Johnson. He calmed down and decided to stay as he realised it’s incredible exposure.”

And it seems that Jamie’s not happy about Simon’s choice of song for him this week; Unchained Melody. Apparently, Jamie hasn’t been able to practice the song due to the virus that’s been sweeping through the contestants.

The paper’s source added, “Not only is he singing a song out of his comfort zone, his voice has been really croaky.”

So will he quit? And do you think he’d be right to choose a potential career with Bon Jovi aiding him or should he stick with the show and Simon? Let us know!

Leaving last week’s rock image way behind her, Lucie Jones has revealed that she will be performing a Disney track on this week’s X Factor.

During a video blog for the official X Factor website Lucie said:

“I’m really pleased that I’m still here and I had a really good time last week. I love my new long hair and I loved the song that I did last week [Guns N' Roses' 'Sweet Child O' Mine'].”

“I’ve picked a really good song with Dannii this week. Everyone who likes Disney is going to love it. It’s from a Disney movie… but what one? I can’t tell you.”

Lucie also talked about how she was affected by homesickness when she moved into the X factor house

“When I used to see family and friends at the weekend, I used to get upset when they left,” she said. “But you have to realise that it’s only a couple of weeks of your life and it’s such a big opportunity. If anything like this happens to you, you have to take it in your stride.”

For more spoilers on this week’s X Factor song choices, have a look at our article here.