‘The X Factor’ UK: Simon Cowell not big fan of latest Dermot O’Leary comments

Is there some bad blood coming when it comes to Simon Cowell and his former “X Factor” host Dermot O’Leary? We wouldn’t quite say that, but it does seem as though the music mogul does not exactly appreciate the idea of someone poking fun at one of his shows in any shape or form.

While at the National Television Awards, O’Leary joked that “Strictly Come Dancing” (a longtime “X Factor” rival) was his new favorite show, and that he “still had this job … for now,” a reference of him being swapped out with Caroline Flack and Olly Murs. To us, this was all pretty hilarious, and his poking fun at himself just as much as he was the show that made him reasonably famous in the first place.

However, clearly Cowell didn’t necessarily see it the same way. While taping some “Britain’s Got Talent” auditions he reportedly said, per the Mirror, the following:

“You say these things, trying to be a bit funny on the night, and then you go off and think ‘I wish I didn’t say that’ … That might have been one of those occasions.”

He also claimed that he “couldn’t care less” about whether or not Dermot ever goes on “Strictly,” though he thought he would probably do pretty well on it.

Ultimately, we think that Simon’s mostly blowing smoke. Dermot is a great presenter who will probably never struggle to find work, and as a result of that he’ll probably get even more gigs in the future on something that better allows him to show off more of his sense of humor. We just don’t think that the singing was ultimately the right venue for that.

Who do you think wins this battle, if you even want to call it that: Dermot, or Simon? Share below, and head over here to get some further TV news on everything we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)