Cole's Alesha defence 'angers Cowell'

X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has angered Simon Cowell by speaking out in defence of Alesha Dixon, a report claims.

Cole described Dixon as a "strong woman" earlier this week following the star's controversial debut as a panellist on Strictly Come Dancing.

According to the Daily Star, Cowell was annoyed when he heard about the singer's remarks because he does not want his employees helping to keep Strictly in the headlines.

A source said: "Simon's very much of the opinion of letting Strictly get on with it. He knows he's got the best show on the box and what they do is their business.

"He wants everyone connected to the show to be pulling in the same direction and not getting distracted by this backlash over Alesha. Simon would rather Cheryl spoke about The X Factor. After all, if she talks about Strictly, all she is doing is giving a rival show free publicity."

The X Factor and Strictly have been competing for viewers this year due to a scheduling clash on Saturday nights.