X Factor 2018: Simon Cowell apologies to Pop Idol contestant Danny Tetley for rejecting him 17 years ago as he makes a comeback

Cowell was left gobsmacked
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Safeeyah Kazi31 August 2018

Simon Cowell was left stunned as a former Pop Idol contestant he rejected 17 years ago made his comeback on the X Factor.

The music mogul was reunited with Danny Tetley who he initially met back in 2001 in the first episode of the new series.

The 37-year-old failed to impress the 58-year-old back in the early noughties, but nearly two decades later he left the judges in awe of his rendition of Broadway hit And I Am Telling You.

Confronting Cowell, the hopeful said: “I did try for Simon many years ago on a TV show called Pop Idol, not a lot happened, it's why I'm back here.

Danny Tetley: The singer made his comeback 17 years later
Thames/Syco

“Simon was very nice but back then it was a very image led business.

“This is my World Cup final, I've waited 17 years to show I've still got it, I've still got the same passion as before.”

Loved Up: Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field were left in each other's arms
Thames/Syco

The show’s resident couple Ayda Field and Robbie Williams were left in each other’s arms during Tetley’s performance.

After leaving both the public and panel utterly stunned, Cowell then apologised for making the wrong call all those years ago.

All New: Cowell sits alongside a refreshed panel for 2018
Thames/Syco

Cowell said: “Look, I’ve felt there’s something different happening in the music industry.

“I apologise for 17 years ago.”

Cowell returns to the show alongside an all-new panel including Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field.

The X Factor returns Saturday and Sunday at 8pm on ITV

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