Fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul are said to have been lecturing Mr Nasty on the importance of 'positive energy'.
A source told The Mirror: “Backstage Nicole and Paula have been giving Simon pep talks focusing on positive energy. A couple of bemused colleagues have since overheard him talking about being more ‘Zen’ and having ‘good energy’. Those who have had a glimpse of Tuesday’s first preview advert for the show are shocked by the new and unusually gentle side to Simon’s judging. It’s all a bit strange.”