Cowell enjoys peaceful 'X Factor' auditions

Simon Cowell has been finding X Factor more enjoyable since Sharon Osbourne quit the show.

While the 2007 series of the ITV1 talent show was marred by the ongoing feud between Osbourne and Dannii Minogue, the atmosphere has been much more peaceful this year.

An insider told The Mirror: "Simon is much more relaxed and happier. He actually seemed to be enjoying the auditions, which is amazing considering how many he sits through.

"One day he was even cracking jokes. He had the production crew in stitches and that doesn't happen every day."

Last year's winner Leon Jackson recently commented on the improved atmosphere after he attended auditions in London. He also insisted that there is no truth in claims that Minogue is clashing with Sharon's replacement Cheryl Cole.