Just one day into production on the 2014 series of The X Factor and it looks like Simon Cowell has done a disappearing act already.

Cheryl Cole has taken to Instagram to share a snap of herself and Mel B with veteran judge Louis Walsh backstage at Old Trafford in Manchester.

She wrote: "The judging line up for the day... Man down!!! #wheresSimon?! #whereswally"

It's good to see that Louis and Chezza haven't fallen out yet, despite his best efforts according to a source.

A mole told The Mirror: "A girl group were one of the first into the auditions and Louis stirred things up straight away by asking if they preferred the Spice Girls or Girls Aloud.

"They said they liked them both so any huge row on the first day was avoided.

“Louis was giggling because he knows everything won't stay harmonious the whole way through and they will have differences.

"Part of the fun is watching the relationships change over time and seeing different opinions between the judges.”