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SULKY Simon reckons Cheryl will win this year’s contest because she’s been handed the best category.

TV’s Mr Nasty is said to be privately furious that he got the 14 to 24-year-old lads despite declaring officially that he was “delighted”.

Now, he is so desperate to stop Cheryl or Dannii taking the title that he has even formed an unlikely alliance with his oldest rival Louis.

Our X Factor source revealed: “Simon is putting on a brave face after being given the boys but, in truth, he knows they are not as strong as Cheryl’s girls or Dannii’s over-25s.

“In fact, even though those groups have never won the X Factor, he would have preferred them.”

Thrilled Cheryl and Dannii are enjoying winding up both Simon and Louis.

For the first time since filming started, the girls have found something they can both enjoy doing together.

And the two male judges have also united instead of being at each other’s throats.

Our insider went on: “Neither Simon nor Louis wants Cheryl to win in her first year and they certainly don’t want Dannii to be victorious two years running.

“Although it kills them to admit it, they would each rather see the other win!

“That could prove very difficult, though. The talent on this year’s X Factor is a lot higher than ever before.

“There are at least eight or nine possible winners and, unfortunately for Simon and Louis, most of those seem to be in Dannii and Cheryl’s categories.”

Simon is counting on the show’s huge female following to help him pick the winner for the third time in five years.

The insider added: “He knows that it is mostly the female fans who vote.

“Dannii had Leon Jackson and Rhydian Roberts in last year’s final and Shayne Ward is a previous winner.

“So, despite not having the strongest singers, Simon hopes the boys’ sex appeal will win through.”