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Oo-er. For once, we're glad we sound like a boy trapped down a well when we sing because Simon Cowell has apparently given the British X Factor finalists a right ticking off.

According to the Daily Mirror, the music mogul and owner of the whitest teeth in the land read the riot act to Frankie, Kitty, Mischa B and co for being unoriginal during a video conference call.

"This is your one chance. You have to take control of the situation and stamp your authority on the show", Simon allegedly said to the finalists.

"A lot of you are not doing that right now. Come up with your own ideas and demonstrate you are a recording artist."

Apparently he added that some of the finalists had "no chance" of a recording contract unless they improved dramatically. Blimey.

It's not been a great few weeks for X Factor ratings all round. Last weekend, Strictly Come Dancing pulled in more viewers than the UK show, while American X Factor ratings have been slightly rocky.