Simon Cowell has reportedly told off X Factor judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue, for becoming too fixated on what they are wearing and not enough on what their contestants are singing.

This Sunday night Cheryl emerged in a power-shoulder mermaid silver micro-mini dress by Julian McDonald, while Dannii sported a glimmering floor-length gown by Aussie designers, J’Aton Couture .

“After the show he summoned all the judges to his dressing room, and let rip at Cheryl and Dannii for spending more time preparing their outfits than their remarks for the show,” a source told the Daily Mirror.

“Dannii and Cheryl are always immaculately turned out and spend ages choosing their clothes and accessories, having their hair and make-up done and generally perfecting their ‘look’.

“But in no uncertain terms Simon told them it’s a talent show, not a fashion show.”

It seems that Simon may have been just venting his anger, after Danyl Johnson ended up in the bottom two acts last week.

“He had to blame someone – perhaps he thinks the judges’ comments might have altered the outcome in some way,” the source added.