Louis Walsh has ruled out taking part in any more reality television programmes, saying his health may not be good enough. The former X Factor judge, 74, made the comments after suffering a suspected heart attack on Celebrity Big Brother (CBB).
Walsh appeared on Simon Cowell's ITV show between 2004 and 2014, before returning for three years between 2016 and 2019. He was recently on CBB alongside fellow former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne, where the health scare occurred, requiring immediate treatment.
Health Rules Out Jungle Appearance
Speaking to Heat Magazine, Walsh admitted this would rule him out of appearing on some programmes, including I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. He said: "I wouldn't do the jungle. My health isn't good enough."
Walsh also discussed his CBB health scare. Asked if he had good memories of the experience, he replied bluntly: "No. I thought it was going to be fun, but it wasn't.
"I had anxiety problems and I had to get the medics. My doctor thinks I had a minor heart attack in there. I did it for the money, but I shouldn't have."
No Third X Factor Stint
Walsh was also asked if he would consider returning to The X Factor following rumours it might get rebooted. He ruled out going back for a third stint due to his age, before clarifying that he didn't think he would be asked to take part anyway. He added: "I won't be doing it as I am probably too old. The money is good, they pay well. I don't think Simon will ask me."
Alongside dealing with the inevitabilities of ageing and potential heart issues, Walsh has had other health battles too, including a rare type of blood cancer called Waldenström macroglobulinaemia.
Blood Cancer in Remission
Whilst he is in remission from the disease, he said in 2024 that he didn't even realise he had it until he went to the doctors. In 2024, he reassured fans that although it was a scary matter, it was a manageable condition.
He explained: "I didn't realise [I had it] until I went to the Mater [hospital] to check me out. I was told it's fine, it's manageable. I'm in remission, and I'm feeling good.
"I was tired. It was just after doing X Factor and stuff. When I got checked, they didn't find it initially. It's a rare one. But I'm in remission, I'm fine. They can manage it."
