X Factor judge Louis Walsh has revealed that he’ll be hanging up his hat at the end of this year’s series.
The 61-year-old has been on the panel of the hit talent show since its launch in 2004 and is now looking forward to returning to his day job as a full-time music manager. Speaking to TV Times magazine he said: “It was never in my plan to be on TV but Simon [Cowel] put me there. I’m very grateful to him but I need my life back!”.
In his ten year stint as a judge, Louis Walsh had one winning act with Shayne Ward from series two.
The former Westlife and Boyzone manager now hopes to start a new band and focus on managing Shane Filan who has gone solo after Westlife disbanded.
So who will replace long-term judge Louis on the show? A spokesperson for X Factor has said “it’s far too early to say what the judging panel for 2014 may or may not look like.”
Louis Walsh will be joined this year by judges Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger. Will Louis’ departure see the return of Simon Cowell? Or perhaps Gary will be reunited with an old pal? Robbie Williams is the favourite with the bookies to replace Louis - although Cheryl Cole isn't far behind. Could the former judge make a return to the show she won twice with Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry?
