Simon Cowell uses X Factor rejects for new group

Simon Cowell has recalled six solo acts who failed the first auditions of The X Factor to be in his new all-girl pop group, it has been reported. Simon and fellow judge Louis Walsh brought back the rejected wannabes and made them try out as a group, which Simon is now hoping to turn into "the UK version of the Pussycat Dolls", according to The Sun. The new group reportedly includes Big Brother's Charley Uchea's pal Raquel Gracie. Music mogul Simon, who is rumoured to have been assigned the "Groups" category in the new series of the talent show, is said to be pouring all his energy into the band. And it seems that the girls are already attracting attention on set, according to show sources. One insider said: "The girls are having explosive rows. But they sound great. They are going to be the love/hate focus in this year's show. "The judges' opinion is split - Simon and Louis love them, Dannii Minogue hates them." Simon Cowell came under criticism earlier this week for retracting his offer of a record deal for six-year-old Connie Talbot, winner of another television talent show Britain's Got Talent. Cowell's Syco Music record label, owned by Sony BMG, ultimately decided that the child singer was too young.