Louis Walsh has defended his fellow ‘X Factor’ judge Sharon Osbourne, amid speculation from viewers, over whether she’s been drunk during some of the live shows.
But while some have drawn the conclusion she’s been drinking before shows, Louis has other ideas.
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Louis Walsh (and a Sharpie)
Chris Jackson via Getty Images
Speaking to Now magazine, he insists: “She’s not drunk! She’s knackered!
“It’s a busy job and we spend a lot of time with our acts and making sure the show is great - she’s just exhausted.”
He even joked: “Knowing Mrs O, she probably does it on purpose! She knows what she is doing, she’s brilliant.”
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Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne
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It’s no surprise she’s so knackered, in addition to her weekend job as an ‘X Factor’ judge, Sharon is still a regular panellist on US chat show ‘The Talk’, which films in California, with Mrs O claiming years before her return to the show that she wouldn’t come back for this reason.
Sharon previously addressed the “drunk” rumours herself, telling her detractors straight that seeing loved ones battle addiction meant she’d never hit the bottle before she had a job to do.
She said: “Listen you Twitter trolls, I have seen too many careers and families destroyed by alcohol. This Mrs isn’t going there.”
Following this, she spoke about it on ‘The Talk’, adding: “Why is it while you’re there and you’re having fun and you’re being silly, do you have to be drunk? It’s entertainment and it goes out late on a Saturday night.”
Read Louis’ full interview in the latest issue of Now magazine.
'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)