Gary Barlow has refuted claims he has come to blows with Simon Cowell over X Factor contestant Christopher Maloney.

Judge Barlow - who is mentoring the popular act on this year's show - has slammed  reports that he is feuding with Cowell over Maloney's position in the competition.

Speaking on The Xtra Factor after Saturday's shows, Barlow said:

"I don't know of any clash, I don't read newspapers.

He continued: "But whether something's been said backstage, I'm not sure."

According to reports last week, music mogul Cowell said that he wanted Maloney out of the competition this year, feeling he was making the show "dated".

Maloney and Barlow's other remaining act Kye Sones will battle it out with the rest of the contestants in tonight's live X Factor show.