Simon Cowell is said to be devastated by the producers decision to give him the boys category this year as he believes the best talent lies in the girls and over 25s group.

An X Factor source told The Daily Star: “Simon is putting on a brave face after being given the boys but, in truth, he knows they are not as strong as Cheryl’s girls or Dannii’s over-25s.

“In fact, even though those groups have never won the X Factor, he would have preferred them.”

Apparently Simon and Louis have even joined forces in a bid to stop one of the girls running away with the show!

The insider added: “Neither Simon nor Louis wants Cheryl to win in her first year and they certainly don’t want Dannii to be victorious two years running.

“Although it kills them to admit it, they would each rather see the other win!

“That could prove very difficult, though. The talent on this year’s X Factor is a lot higher than ever before.

“There are at least eight or nine possible winners and, unfortunately for Simon and Louis, most of those seem to be in Dannii and Cheryl’s categories.”

g the strongest singers, Simon hopes the boys’ sex appeal will win through.”