Entertainment uk celebrityuktvuktvxfactor

Louis Walsh Next For 'X Factor' Axe, Days After Dermot O'Leary Announces He Won't Return As Presenter?

Is Louis Walsh Next For The 'X Factor' Chop?
Daniel Welsh
|

It sounds as though Dermot O'Leary isn't the only familiar face who won't be returning to 'The X Factor' this year, with new reports suggesting that Louis Walsh could be next for the chop.

SEE MORE:

Louis has been an 'X Factor' judge on the show for every series across its 11-year run, briefly getting the sack back in 2007, only for Simon Cowell to change his mind and get him back on the panel at the last minute.

However, it would now appear that the music mogul has had quite a change of heart, and is hoping to ditch Louis from the panel in the hope of injecting some fresh life into the show.

Open Image Modal

Louis Walsh

A source tells the Daily Star Sunday: "Simon is planning major changes for this year's 'X Factor' and one of them is getting rid of Louis.

"It is not 100% finalised yet, but Simon knows he needs to make the show current and credible and Louis no longer ticks that box."

Among the potential replacements for Louis is Robbie Williams, who has acted as a guest mentor at judges' house several times in the past.

Open Image Modal

Robbie Williams

It was claimed last week by one of the show's producers that only one judge's space on the panel was safe, and that was Simon's, in a bid to shake up the show and breathe new life into 'The X Factor'.

The newspaper's source added: "Simon will be coming back but Cheryl and Mel will have to fight for their seats.”

It was reported on Saturday that Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who previously co-hosted 'The Xtra Factor' together, were being brought back to replace the recently-departed Dermot.

We've also had a few thoughts about who we'd like to see taking over his presenting job…

Dermot O'Leary's Potential Replacements
Kate Thornton(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
Kate fronted 'X Factor' way back, when it first arrived on our screens. Could she reprise her role? (credit:JON FURNISS/INVISION/AP)
Jeremy Clarkson(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
Well... he could always give it a go. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Fearne Cotton(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
Fearne announced her plans to leave Radio 1 earlier this year, meaning she's definitely free to consider the job. We reckon Fearne would be a fab replacement. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Zayn Malik(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
We're not sure it fits with his "being a normal 22-year-old" plan, but stranger things have happened... (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Caroline Flack (05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Get Flacko Backo! The former 'Xtra Factor' presenter went on to win 'Strictly Come Dancing' after being replaced on the 'Xtra Factor' last year. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Nick Grimshaw(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Grimmy's no stranger to rubbing shoulders with A-listers, so we reckon he'd make those Sunday night special guests feel right at home. Perhaps his good friend Harry Styles could also co-host a show or two... (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Sinitta (07 of12)
Open Image Modal
It's about time Sinitta and her palm leaves stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Steve Brookstein(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Steve hasn't exactly seen eye-to-eye with Simon Cowell in recent years - perhaps they could patch up their differences and make this happen? (credit:Andy Sheppard via Getty Images)
Eric Cowell(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
YEAH, we know he probably can't talk yet but there are still a few months to go until 'X Factor' returns to our screens. We don't have much experience when it comes to teaching babies to talk, but surely Si can shell out on a tutor or something? (credit:Twitter/Simon Cowell)
Emma Willis (10 of12)
Open Image Modal
The wonderful Emma is a fan favourite thanks to 'The Voice UK' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'. Could she swap the BBC for ITV? (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Rylan Clark(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
Since starring as a hopeful on the show, Rylan has cut his teeth in the presenting world, hosting a regular segment on 'This Morning' and keeping guests in check on 'Big Brother's Bit On The Side'. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Khloe Kardashian(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Khloe received mixed reviews when she presented the US version of the show, but we think she could be a hit here in Blighty. (credit:AJM/AJM)

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK | FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip