X Factor 2014 review: Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell clash over Rouge Kiss

Forget about last night’s lap dancing love-in, the pair continuously fought with each other across the judges’ table

Cheryl despairs during the arena auditions (PA)

There was plenty of drama on X Factor tonight as Cheryl and Simon verbally sparred with each other.

The creepy Simon Cowell lap dancing moment seems like a cold, distant memory now. Thank God.

The pair fell out over the girl band Rouge Kiss, who completely revamped their whole image at Simon’s bidding following their first audition.

Cheryl was impressed by the fivesome’s efforts but it still wasn’t to SiCo’s standards.

To be fair the harmonies were off and the style was lacklustre – far too generic. It seems unlikely that they will get through the next round unless they suddenly pull something out of the bag.

Much to Cheryl’s chagrin Simon described Rouge Kiss as “Yorkshire Terriers wanting to be an Alsatian”. Whatever that means.

But Mrs Fernandez-Versini wasn’t having any of it and did possibly the best impression of Simon Cowell anyone has ever done on one of his reality TV shows. She did it again in case you missed it if you nipped out for a toilet break.

Cheryl had her revenge later on when she dragged out an audition just to stop the media mogul, who was desperate for a pee, from making a swift exit.

It wasn’t all handbags at dawn though, everyone’s favourite pug T-shirt-wearing Italian returned. True to form, Andrea Faustini was wearing another canine-themed top. The judges were already smiling in anticipation and he quickly owned the stage.

He could be a contender to Paul Akister for this year's X Factor crown. Andrea had the judges nodding along in approval and it was a marvellously sweet moment.

After the creepy Mel B doll and xenophobia, he was finally given the respect he deserved. Cue Josh Groban’s ‘You Raise Me Up’.