The judge, who has appeared on all bar one of the show’s 14 series, will not feature in the 2018 episodes.
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Louis Walsh
PA Archive/PA Images
A statement from Louis, released on Thursday evening, reads: “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!”
The press release announcing Louis’s decision declared that the development marks “the beginning of a new era for the UK’s most popular music talent show”.
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Out with the old...
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Bosses have also confirmed that Sharon Osbourne will only serve as a judge on the live shows, not the audition stages.
“I can’t wait to get back to the judges’ desk,” she said in a statement. “I love the new format.”
Simon Cowell will return in his usual role, joined by three new judges.
While it’s long been rumoured that Nicole Scherzinger will also be leaving, the mention of “three new judges” confirms the US superstar won’t be back.
However, the release makes no mention of her by name. HuffPost UK has contacted Nicole’s representative for comment.
Open auditions for the 2018 series have already taken place across the country. The first filmed ones will take place at Wembley Arena in the coming weeks.
'X Factor' Judge Suggestions
Sir Elton John(01 of14)
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Elton isn't exactly backwards in coming forwards when it comes to telling people what he thinks of them, and with plans to retire from touring already announced, it couldn't be more well-timed for him to take a seat behind that famous desk. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Dolly Parton(02 of14)
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Dolly Parton on The X Factor. Just picture it for a minute, then try telling us it's a bad idea. (credit:Shannon Finney via Getty Images)
Calvin Harris(03 of14)
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We've had record execs, managers, singers and radio presenters on the panel, but a DJ/producer has never occupied a judges seat before, and who could be better to change that than Calvin?
Plus, it'd be a nice full-circle after he was famously banned from the show over that pineapple stunt, only to return years later to help Nicole Scherzinger at Judges' Houses. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Craig David(04 of14)
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The singer is already one of the names who has been linked to replacing Louis Walsh, and it would be intriguing to see him rise to the challenge, particularly as he's already had a taster as a guest judge on rival talent show The Voice. (credit:Astrid Stawiarz via Getty Images)
Florence Welch(05 of14)
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Florence (sans 'the machine') would most likely prove a Marmite addition to the show, but there'd be no doubting her musical credibility, which could attract a new type of artist applying, not to mention a new type of viewer. (credit:Joe Maher via Getty Images)
Celine Dion(06 of14)
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Celine has been living her best life lately, and what better way to follow up a colourful few years than by becoming an X Factor judge in 2019? (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Annie Lennox(07 of14)
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Something tells us Annie Lenox might not be the biggest fan of shows like X Factor (she did once call it a "factory", after all), but that could make it even more watchable to see her on the panel, most likely hating every second. (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
Pink(08 of14)
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She's previously turned down The Voice Australia, American Idol and The X Factor claiming she couldn't be "honest" enough, but given how she's famous for speaking her mind, we reckon she's selling herself short. (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Noel Gallagher(09 of14)
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The former Oasis guitarist has been asked to do it so many times now that it's only right that he finally gives in and tries out the role of talent show judge. (credit:Empics Entertainment)
Stevie Nicks(10 of14)
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As the queen of rock and roll, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks is more than qualified to fill Sharon Osbourne's old seat. (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
Lily Allen(11 of14)
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Lily and The X Factor have long been linked, and there's a reason for that - she'd be dynamite on the panel. We'd love it even more if she were to come face-to-face with old foe Cheryl Tweedy, should she return. (credit:Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)
Mark Ronson(12 of14)
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He's one of the most sought-after producers in the business and has worked with some of the world's biggest popstars, so while he may not need X Factor, he would bring a wealth of credibility and star power with him, and he'd be able to phone in some amazing favours for Judges' Houses (who could forget his own memorable appearance with Nick Grimshaw in 2014?). (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Ellie Goulding(13 of14)
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Ellie is one of the UK's biggest selling female artists and is no stranger to X Factor having dueted with Luke Friend at the 2013 live final. And with a musical comeback tipped for 2018, we think this would be perfect promo for her. (credit:Presley Ann via Getty Images)
Janet Jackson(14 of14)
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Janet would be a genius signing for The X Factor. That is, if they could afford her. (credit:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images)