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THE hotly anticipated live X Factor shows begin this Saturday, with an expected viewer total of 10 million, but judge Simon Cowell is nowhere to be found!

The judge who this year is mentoring Scott Bruton, Austin Drage and Eoghan Quigg, has only made contact with the boys through his personal assistant, while he spends all his time in the U.S. promoting American Idol.

Simon has allegedly not seen his contestants for over a month, but is planning to attend rehearsals tomorrow.

A show source said: “He has not exactly been hands on.

“He could have called to make them feel special.”

Contestant Scott, 19, added: “He’s always in LA doing promotion for American Idol, flitting here and there.”

The news is in stark contract to judges Cheryl, Dannii and Louis who have dedicated hours to their singing hopefuls.

You won't win the show this way, Simon!

Daily Star