Louis Walsh Hits Out At 'X Factor', Claiming Simon Cowell Has 'F***ed' The Show

'Simon Cowell Has F***ed 'X Factor' Up,' Says Louis Walsh
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Louis Walsh has launched a scathing attack on ‘The X Factor’ and Simon Cowell, claiming that the music mogul has “f***ed up” the show.

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The former judge, who was replaced by Nick Grimshaw earlier this year, claims that Simon has messed around with the familiar format too much, and says he would only return to the show if there were people working on it that he liked.

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Louis Walsh

“I’m glad I’m not on it this year as the ratings are down,” he told Star magazine. “Simon has messed with it too much. It was an experiment that didn’t really work.

“He used to blame me. He’d say, ‘It’s your fault, people are fed up looking at you’. But it’s not my fault, it’s his. He’s f***ed the show.”

Louis was recently offered the chance to return to the show for a day during a charity auction, but has not appeared so far as he wants to distance himself from this series.

“If I did go back, my God, I would have started up! But I don’t want to be seen on this series. I’d only go back when it’s fun and with people I liked,” he said.

Of the changes he’d make, Louis continued: “I’d bring back Dermot O’Leary - and then all the viewers!

“Dermot was a safe bet. He wouldn’t have got anything wrong,” he said in reference to new host Olly Murs’ live TV gaffe.

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Louis is not a fan of the new line-up

“I’d take my old seat back. Nick is fine but he’s a radio person. It’s not his fault he’s been thrown in at the deep end.”

The Irish music manager recently revealed that Simon talked him out of doing ‘I’m A Celebrity’, having been lined up to appear on the reality series.

“Simon told me he didn't think it would be good for my credibility. He actually talked me out of it. Otherwise I was going to do it."

‘The X Factor’ continues on Saturday at 8pm on ITV.

'X Factor': Most Controversial Moments
Emily Nakanda's Happy-Slapping Scandal(01 of06)
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Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)