Louis Walsh has announced he won’t be returning as a judge on the new series of The X Factor.
The Irish manager has appeared on all but one of the talent show series since it first aired in 2004 but has now said it is time to move on.
He will be head judge on Ireland’s Got Talent when it returns in 2019, and focus on other projects.
Louis said: “I’ve had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave.
“I’m looking forward to another series of Ireland’s Got Talent, going back to my day job as a manager, writing my memoirs and seeing the world!”
It’s certainly a change of tune from what the 65-year-old said when he hit back at rumours he would be axed from The X Factor panel earlier this year.
At that time he told The Sun Simon Cowell couldn’t get rid of him, or Sharon Osbourne, to make way for new talent as they had signed three year contracts.
He said: “My contract is watertight. I’ve checked it out with someone and have told Simon that. He has asked me to come and see him in LA.
“I have spoken to Sharon. She’s said they can only sack us if they pay us.”
He added: “I don’t think they’ve finalised what they’re going to do with the panel.”
Now a decision has been made and Louis won’t be returning for the 15th series of the ITV show.
Amelia Brown, the managing director of Thames who produce the show along with Simon Cowell’s company Syco, said: “Louis has been a huge part of The X Factor’s success since it launched and remains a good friend of the show.
“His contribution cannot be overstated. We would like to thank him for all he has given to the show over the years and look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.”
Sharon Osbourne will be back but in a reduced capacity. ITV confirmed that her “exciting new role on the show” will see her appear only as a judge on the live episodes and not at the auditions.
Sharon said: “I can’t wait to get back to the judges’ desk. I love the new format.”
Amelia from Thames added: “We are very excited Sharon is taking on a new role on the show and we can’t wait to see her as a judge on the live episodes.
“This is the start of a new era for The X Factor. I am really excited about all the ideas we have for the coming series including, of course, the new judging panel.”
Meanwhile, Nicole Scherzinger will also be replaced as ITV announced: “Creator Simon Cowell will return to The X Factor for the new series with three new fellow judges being announced in due course.”
The channel say the changes to the judging panel “signal the beginning of a new era for the UK’s most popular music talent show”.
It is not yet known who will replace the departing judges, but rumoured names include Robbie Williams, Louis Tomlinson, Rita Ora and a comeback from Cheryl Tweedy.
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Open auditions have already started ahead of the show’s return to screens later in the summer.
Auditions have also been held in Spain as the show aims to widen the net in their search for new talent.
Are you happy The X Factor panel is being revamped? Or will you miss Louis and Nicole? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!