X Factor judge Louis Walsh has agreed with his colleague Dannii Minogue and admitted that Cheryl Cole is Simon Cowell’s favourite.

He told The News of the World that Simon and Cheryl are “great mates.”

Walsh said: “Cheryl is like the teacher’s pet. Simon’s obviously the teacher.

“She could win two years in a row. Simon will hate that but there’s nothing he can do about it.”

Louis also revealed that he and Dannii are a lot closer this year.

He said: “She’s a different girl this year. She takes getting to know. There’s a hard exterior but then the interior is OK.

“I respect her so much more this year. She’s worked incredibly hard. She’s come in with a great attitude.”

He added: “She’s not Kylie Minogue’s sister anymore, she’s just Dannii Minogue.”

Louis denied reports that he doesn’t get on with presenter Dermot O’Leary.

He added: “I also get on with Dermot even though we’ve had our ups and downs.

“I was really under pressure the week we had an issue. I thought, ‘Why is he picking on me?’ But afterwards we just laughed and we hugged each other.”

He added: “I meant it as a total compliment to say Dermot is a safe pair of hands. Nothing phases him.”