Even the judges have acknowledged that this years X Factor competition is a two way race. Last night Dannii Minogue posted on her Twitter page, “Cowell vs Minogue!”

Yesterday, even hanger on Sinitta claimed that Simon feels threatened by Dannii and that neither Cheryl or Louis stands a chance.

An X Factor source told The Sun: “There’s a lot of teasing going on among them but Dannii and Simon know they are in pole position to end up on top.

“Louis is gutted to get the groups again and he knows he hasn’t got a hope in hell of doing well this year.

“He’s even had to resort to putting through dreadful twins John and Edward Grimes in an attempt to get some attention back from the others.

“Cheryl’s busy working on the launch of her solo single and doesn’t feel as close to her acts this year.”