Simon Cowell has reportedly laid down the law with his X Factor contestants. The music moghul is said to have banned all remaining acts from talking about his decision to save John and Edward Grimes last week.

The Daily Star quotes Olly Murs as saying: “I can’t say anything, they won’t let me.” Lloyd Daniels said: “I’m not allowed to say anything, sorry.”

An insider told the newspaper that Simon Cowell will most likely address the issue on Saturday night’s show, but is unlikely to apologise. He said:

“Simon will only hold his hands up if he thinks he’s done something seriously wrong. He’s sorry so many people are upset but stands by his decision to send the result to dead lock and see who the nation wanted out.” But he added: “When Simon lays down the law only someone stupid would think about breaking it.

“The whole thing is getting a bit out of hand and Simon doesn’t want to make things worse with contestants mouth- ing off about the scandal.

“He runs a tight ship and they have been warned there will be serious consequences if they discuss anything outside the X Factor family.”