Cheryl Vs Simon Cowell

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell have always had a turbulent relationship.

But on Saturday night's episode of The X Factor, the tension between them grew increasingly uncomfortable to watch.

It all started when she criticised the music mogul’s act Jay James following his rendition of Adele's Skyfall.

Awkward: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell had yet another row on Saturday night's episode of The X Factor

Cheryl and Simon bicker, and Dermot apologises to Jay James

'The production saved you tonight,' Cheryl told the aspiring singer.

'If you're going to sing a song by Adele, you need more suave and passion in your performance.

'I didn't feel that at all. Sorry.'

The Crazy Stupid Love singer's comments didn't sit too well with Simon, who stepped in to defend his act.

'Just to remind you, sweetie,' he said condescendingly. 'This is a singing not an acting competition.'

Not impressed: Presenter Dermot O'Leary apologised for the judges' behaviour

Wrong move? The trouble started when Cheryl laid into Simon's act Jay James, claiming she 'didn't feel' his performance

His words infuriated Cheryl who stuck her hand in his face.

'Fine, but don't you ever criticise nay of my acts in the future. Now, talk to you act!'

The cameras then shot back to presenter Dermot O'Leary and Jay, who seemed shocked that his performance could have triggered such a row.

'Wow, somebody woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning,' Dermot said.

'I'm sorry you had to watch them argue like that. It's like watching my mum and argue.'

He tried his bets: Jay took to the stage and sang Skyfall by Adele - however Cheryl believed he didn't have enough suave

Oh dear: Simon didn't take too well to his employee criticising his act

Clearly feeling sympathetic for Jay as his performance had been overshadowed by the feuding judges, Dermot accused Cheryl of splitting hairs with regards to her critsim.

However, that didn’t stop the star from bickering with Simon again.

Later on in the episode, Cheryl claimed to feel sick and asked Louis Walsh to swap seats so that she didn't have to be next to Simon.

As soon as she moved, she said that her 'nausea' had disappeared.

The awkward exchanges made uncomfortable viewing for those watching at home. So much so that even celebrities were taking to Twitter to complain. 

Cheryl takes a jab at Simon over his comments on Lola's dress

Over the top? Cheryl asked Louis if she could swap seats with him so that she no longer had to be near Simon

Awkward: Louis obliged and sat next to Simon while Mel B looked uncomfortable

Unhappy customer: Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison wasn't a fan of Cheryl and Simon's bickering

Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison tweeted: 'Does anyone else think the atmosphere between Cheryl and Simon is just plain awkward?! @TheXFactor.' 

Brian McFadden was a little harsher with his words when he took to the social networking site.

'Think Cheyrl's ponytail is wound too tight. Brat,' he said.

'Whatever's going on behind the scene chezza needs to leave it there. Doing herself no favours. @TheXFactor.'

After the show wrapped up, Cheryl also took to her Twitter accounts to justify her actions.

The singer explained that she was just having 'one of those nights'.

Still sounding a little bitter, she then added: 'You can't tell other judges' acts they didn't perform a song as well as they could or should have. 

'When somebody remotely has an opinion on Simon's acts, he responds with "It's not an acting completion". Don't give it if you can't take it! Right?'

Sound advice: The rowing was even too much for the likes of Brian Mcfadden

Ouch: The former Westlife star didn't have very kind words to say about Cheryl

Backlash: Viewers at home didn't take too kindly to Simon and Cheryl's behaviour towards each other