Simon Cowell is said to have asked Ed Sheeran and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder for advice on the X Factor.

According to The Sun, the music mogul requested the help of last weekend's guest performers when it comes to song choices, with the newspaper adding that Ed and Tedder were invited to a production meeting by SiCo.

The insider revealed: "Simon respects their opinions as two of the biggest-selling artists and songwriters in the world.

"Ed and Ryan have worked with Syco artists over the past few years and Simon is friends with them both.

"The show already has one of the best music teams in the world, including One Direction's producer and writer Julian Bunetta.

[related]"But Simon is always keen to hear new ideas and wanted to take the opportunity to have two of the biggest music talents in the world become involved."

It is thought that Cowell was forced to take action after the "horrible" sing-off between axed act Jake Quickenden and group Only the Young.

The 55-year old said at the time: "I don't know what is going on with these sing-offs at the moment, but they were both horrible. The vocals were all over the place."

Meanwhile in other XF news, Simon kept his word and joined his Over 25 artist Stevi Ritchie for a meal at The Harvester last night (October 27).

So @SimonCowell is at my local Harvester with @THESTEVIRITCHIE. Casual Monday evening #amazing #xfactor pic.twitter.com/SY3kE5Tknv

— Ourhai (@itsourhai) October 27, 2014

Eagle-eyed fans spotted SiCo and Stevie tucking in to the eatery's famous salad bar, with Stevi himself later tweeting: "Ok so im having a meal at harvester with the boss man himself mr simon cowell and im sooooo nervous xx."

Cowell also tweeted: "Scampi and chips at the Harvester. Delicious."

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson also asked to join the pair on their dinner date, but was absent from their outing.

Better luck next time Louis!