Simon Cowell DENIES banning One Direction's Niall Horan from The X Factor

Last night, we were all left stunned when it was claimed that Simon Cowell had actively banned One Direction star, Niall Horan, from appearing on The X Factor to promote his new single, ‘This Town’.

The music mogul was said to be so angry about Niall’s decision to snub Simon’s offer of a record label and sign with a rival that he wouldn’t even consider lending a helping hand in the promo stakes.

Y'know, despite the millions of viewers it would pull in.

A supposed source gossiped to The Sun: “Simon really thought the 1D boys would show loyalty after he mentored them on the show and made them the huge global success they are. Instead they went behind his back.

"He’s not going to be doing them any favours. He knows artists love performing on the show as there are eight million viewers to promote their songs to.

"Niall also chose to do 'The Graham Norton Show’. 'The X Factor’ don’t like to have acts that have been elsewhere.”

Another insider even added: “They knew when he didn’t sign with Syco he wouldn’t be appearing on 'The X Factor’. Everyone is totally fine.

"He’s extremely proud and grateful for everything 'The X Factor’ did for him.”

However, Simon has take to his Twitter page to quash the rumour, writing to his millions of followers early this morning: “Loved the show tonight. A long night. Reading some stories.

"To be clear I would never 'ban’ anyone from One Direction appearing on the show”.

Although the ban may not be true, Si has lashed out at Niall and Liam Payne’s 'disloyalty’, previously mocking Niall after his debut solo single only peaked at number 9 in the UK charts.

He said at the time: “He probably would have had a number one single if he’d stayed with me.

"But you know who does have a number one this week? James Arthur. Very pleased he’s back with us with a fantastic record. Hashtag loyalty.”

Me-ow.