X Factor sources say that Simon Cowell allowed warring pals Abbey Johnston and Lisa Parker to watch the clip of them fighting on stage, before it airs on tonight’s show.

The duo showed up to the Birmingham auditions earlier this year and sang Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and Shayne Ward’s That’s My Goal. Their renditions were so bad that Simon Cowell branded it “the worst audition in history,” after which Abbey punched Lisa square in the face.

An X Factor source said: “Simon’s first thought is always how viewers will react and he doesn’t want to victimise or upset anyone who goes on stage. He thought it was a really memorable audition and the girls seem keen for it to be shown as well now after they spoke with the production team. They’ll certainly become overnight stars.”

The girls agreed and the scene will be aired on tonight’s X Factor show.