Simon Cowell is said to be very disappointed after the names of The X Factor finalists were leaked on the internet.

The 12 names through to the live shows were posted on a website, just days before the finalists are revealed on the ITV.

A source told the daily Mirror: “Simon is very, very disappointed.”

Simon, the show’s creator, keeps the finalists’ names under lock and key. Journalists are not aloud to see the names and the acts are made to sign confidentiality agreements.

The upcoming two episodes will see the remaining 36 acts from the boys, girls, over-28s and groups categories whittled down to the final 12.