heat loves The X Factor. But not everyone agrees, because the show’s been under fire for its slipping ratings (it’s trailing three million viewers behind Strictly), and there are rumours that Simon Cowell and Nick Grimshaw aren’t getting along. So we thought we’d go straight to the horse’s mouth – that would be Grimmy – and ask him.
When we caught up with him last week at the BBC Teen Awards, he told us everything’s good with Simon, but that he is calling the team into “serious talks”…
Hi, Grimmy! Have you been into Simon’s legendary dressing room yet? Apparently it’s kitted out with a bath and white sofas and cost £20,000…
Simon’s dressing room is amazing. I went in yesterday to have a little chat, but I wouldn’t be allowed in there when he’s not there. We went in on Saturday [31 Oct] after the show. It was Halloween and we were all going out afterwards. No one had a costume except for Rita, who was going as Bananas In Pyjamas (see above. Uh-huh). We went in there and it was really funny for a minute, but then Simon was talking really seriously about moving forward with the show. And Rita was standing there dressed as a banana, nodding, trying to be really serious.
Has Simon discussed the declining viewing figures with you at all?
Not at all. Simon deals with that with the boss people. I think we just concentrate on the show and making it fun. It genuinely is so much fun. It’s a riot.
How are you finding the pressure of the Live Shows?
I love doing live - I do it every day on the radio. I love it more than auditions – they’re such a long day and you do get distracted. I like the added pressure of it being live and knowing we only have a certain amount of time.
Read the full interview in this week's heat magazine - OUT NOW!