Sinitta hits out at Simon Cowell’s decision to hire Nick Grimshaw: ‘He can’t sing’

Singer Sinitta has hit out at Simon Cowell’s decision to recruit Nick Grimshaw for The X Factor judging panel.

The 51-year-old - who regularly features alongside Cowell during the Judge's Houses stage of the competition - revealed she does not understand why the music mogul failed to hire her as a judge.

Speaking to Closer she said: “I beg Simon for a spot on the panel, I don’t get his decision to choose Nick Grimshaw - he can’t sing!

“How can he judge other singers? I think Simon and Nick are good mates though, so he chose to have a pal on the panel.”

The So Macho singer insisted that despite an unsuccessful attempt this year she is not giving u on begging for a spot on the panel.

“I won’t stop begging. My kids often bug me for things and won’t stop until I give in, so that’s the tactic I’m using.”

Sinitta may not be keen on Grimshaw but the BBC Radio One Breakfast DJ appears to be a hit on the panel according to an insider.

“He’s good in that he’ll make jokes like Walliams does – sending up Simon but in a comical way," the source told Radio Times.

“It felt like part of the reason he’s got him. Obviously the David and Simon dynamic does work quite well on BGT – maybe Simon’s looking for something similar.”

Grimshaw made his debut alongside fellow newcomer Rita Ora as the auditions for this year's series kicked off in Manchester last week.

London auditions are expected to begin today after yesterday's were cancelled in the wake of the death of Cowell's mother.

An X Factor spokesperson confirmed the news to the Evening Standard saying: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we are having to cancel Tuesday 14th July’s X Factor auditions in London.”