Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy deny ‘X Factor’ rumours

Olympic cycling gold medalists say they won't be appearing on the reality TV show

Tour de France Winner and Olympic gold medalist Bradley Wiggins has denied rumours that he is set to appear on this year’s series of The X Factor.

Simon Cowell was reported to have approached the legendary cyclist to appear on the show to give “pep talks” to contestants, according to The Mirror.

“Let’s not talk about The X Factor“, he said. “Compared to the Olympics, everywhere you went the country was on a high, and as athletes it was phenomenal to see that… Then you see The X Factor and it’s like, ‘Oh God, ­everyone’s got to put up with that all winter now'”.

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According to the tabloid, X Factor boss Simon Cowell will give the first live show in October an Olympic theme with contestants getting pep talks from medal winners, before performing songs such as Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold’ ­Survivor’s ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ and David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’.

Wiggins’ fellow gold medal-winning Team GB cyclist Chris Hoy has also said he won’t appear, writing on his Twitter feed: “Some amusing stories in press about me being a mentor on X-Factor; that’s the first I’ve heard about it! ‪#dontbelievethehype!”.

However, heptathlete Jessica Ennis hasn’t ruled out appearing on the show. “I’m a massive fan of The X Factor so we’ll see,” she said.

An X Factor spokesperson reportedly confirmed that runner Mo Farah, rower Steve Redgrave, long jumper Greg Rutherford, diver Tom Daley, swimmer Rebecca Adlington and now-retired cyclist Victoria Pendleton were interested in appearing on the show.

Blog: Bradley Wiggins’ Playlist

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