X Factor’s Bella Penfold reveals all on working with Simon Cowell

X Factor finalist Bella Penfold has shared what it’s really like working with Simon Cowell.

Bella is one of four girls in Simon’s category and currently competing in the live shows.

She says that while Simon has been a ‘hands-off’ mentor it’s all for the better.

“He’s [Simon] a really busy man so we all really appreciate the time he’s putting into us individually,” Bella explained. “If anything, it’s been a blessing because all four of us girls are still here, so he’s obviously doing something right.

“I think it gave us a little leeway to show him what we can do without being too coddled and wrapped up in bubble wrap.”

In an interview with the Metro newspaper, Bella added: “It was quite exciting showing him what we’re doing without him being there as much and for him to give us amazing feedback.

“It shows that we can do this on our own when we step out into the big wide world because we’re not always going to have Simon as a mentor. Eventually we will have to do stuff like this on our own.”

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old revealed ahead of Saturday’s show that she was working hard to prove critics wrong.

Bella sailed through to the live shows from judges’ houses after winning Simon Cowell’s ‘Golden Buzzer’ at the Six Chair Challenge.

Bella told the Daily Star newspaper: “I feel like I’ve had to work just as hard or even harder to prove myself as I did get some critics saying I didn’t deserve the buzzer so I wanted to come back and show that I am improving and I am trying.”

She continued: “What is a big shame, is that you don’t always get to see what goes on behind the scenes – you don’t always see how hard a contestant is working. You know sometimes people are amazing on the stage but then there are some other people that work really hard behind the scenes as well.”

The X Factor 2018 live shows continue tonight at 8PM with the latest results.

As well as two acts leaving, there will be guest performances from Little Mix and Kylie Minogue.