John and Edward Grimes have denied reports that Simon Cowell is favouring Joe McElderry over his own X Factor acts.

Earlier this week it was claimed that Simon was trying to pressurise his fellow judges into backing Joe for the final.

However, John told The Mirror: “I think that’s a load of speculation. I think that everyone goes out there and does their own thing.

“They work with their own mentor. Joe’s with Cheryl, he has Danyl and Olly and Dannii has Stacey.”

He added: “Who’s going to win? I think that everyone has a good chance, I think that they’re all on the same level, but I think that people seem to vote for them.

“We want Stacey to win, but people need to get behind her and vote for her.”

Edward said: “Think about it, there’s no bottom two anymore so if someone doesn’t get the votes then they’re gone.”