Simon Cowell has told Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole to be more tough on this years’ X Factor.  It has been a complaint that is common with many bloggers – particularly in relation to Cheryl.

An insdier  told The News of the World: “He believes they are nervous to say what they really think in case fans think they are being too mean. They hate being booed but Simon reckons they need to grow thicker skins.

“The music industry is unforgiving and he wants the panel to reflect that this year – even if that’s brutal…Simon’s advice is if people don’t like what they say, it’s tough.”

Apparently he is annoyed it’s becoming more of a beauty contest too – but given he got Natalie Umbruglia, Katy Perry and Nicole Scherzinger to stand in for Dannii when she was on maternal duties, it’s hardly something he can complain about.

The girls need to be weary though lest they end up like Kate Thornton?

Picture Courtesy of Silverstone Circuits Limited on Flickr