'X Factor' hosts 'told to support twins'

X Factor hosts Dermot O'Leary and Holly Willoughby have been ordered to support controversial contestants John and Edward, a report claims.

According to The Sun, a memo sent by show producers to O'Leary and Willoughby urges them to praise the twins in interviews.

It is thought that the leaked document states that it would "be great to defend John and Edward" against the backlash they have received from viewers in recent weeks.

A source said: "Bosses didn't expect the twins to get such a bad reaction from the public. They want people on their side."

The newspaper also reports that the show's presenters must dismiss rumours of rivalry between Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole by claiming that the female judges "get on and always have".

O'Leary and Willoughby are also said to be under strict instruction to insist that Louis Walsh was only joking when he ruled out his chances of winning this year.

The insider commented: "Even Simon Cowell was annoyed with what Louis said. He made it sound as if he didn't care about his acts. Producers don't want viewers to think that."

The X Factor continues on Saturday at 8pm on ITV1.