X Factor judge Simon Cowell says Rita Ora is 'bit of a ditz'

Simon Cowell has admitted that he thinks his new X Factor judge Rita Ora is a “bit of a ditz”.

Cowell, 55, hired Ora and DJ Nick Grimshaw ahead of the new series, which airs later this month.

Speaking about the Poison singer, Cowell explained to The Sun: "But it's part of her personality. What I like about her is that she's not afraid to admit that.

“She doesn't say something and then scream at the producers to edit it out. She can poke fun at herself."

Speaking about his decision to revamp the show and recruit two new judges, he said that initially he was unsure if Ora and Grimshaw would work.

"I wasn't sure,” he said. “Normally whenever we have anyone new in I'm on the phone to Louis within three hours to replace them. I'm sure he had his bags packed at the front door."

Cowell’s comments come days after Grimshaw compared Ora to former TOWIE regular Joey Essex.

The BBC Radio One Breakfast Show host said: “She is like Joey with a good weave.

"She’s so funny and doesn’t even know when she’s being funny. Her geography’s unbelievable. Her naivety’s quite charming. People will fall in love with her over it.”