There was drama at Simon Cowell’s X Factor Judges’ Houses when gunfire was reportedly heard.
The Sun claims shots were fired and security rushed in to protect the head honcho, but it turned out it was just a farmer shooting rabbits in a nearby field.
A source told the paper: “Everyone was terrified.
“Several gunshots were heard in quick succession.
“There was already tight security because of the current climate.
“It turned out the shots had come from a farmer who was shooting rabbits in a field rather than anything more sinister.”
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It comes as Simon was apparently waiting for guest judge Cheryl Tweedy to arrive. The singer has been confirmed as his helper for that stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, other reports today have suggested X Factor bosses want Simon to be Mr Nasty again.
The Daily Star claims ITV execs aren’t liking the new soft guy we’re seeing on our screens and want the old, tougher, Simon back.
Apparently the chief judge was told in a meeting: “You’re too nice – we need you to bring Mr Nasty back!”
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The source continued: “Simon was politely told to get tougher. Producers know he is open to ideas and wants to make the best show possible.
“He took on board what they’d said, so viewers can expect him to be the Simon they know and love for the rest of this series.”
However a spokeperson for The X Factor told The Sun the claims were “complete rubbish.”