Simon Cowell has described Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Liam Payne as "little chipmunks madly in love". Speaking to The Sun, the X Factor judge revealed he spent time with the couple in Hollywood last month:
"They were on good form. They're like two little chipmunks madly in love. Literally, they were so cute.
"Importantly they both seemed very happy over here and very relaxed. I'm happy for them."
"I hate to disappoint you [it wasn't awkward]," he continued. "Not. In. The. Slightest. It was so much fun.
"I said to him straight away: 'To be honest with you, Dermot, I thought you wanted to leave. In hindsight, of course I should have called you.
"'Anyway, whatever happened, happened. I miss you. The public miss you. You are brilliant at your job'.
"And that was that. Then we had a jolly nice afternoon tea.
"I'm delighted he's coming back - he's a great guy. And he'll do a great job."
The X Factor returns to ITV later this year. Check out the first promo featuring Dermot below.
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