Louis Walsh, the former X Factor judge, has embarked on a campaign of indiscretion following his departure from the show. Walsh, who claims he has 'flat-out left' and will not return, has been sharing behind-the-scenes secrets and criticising the programme in various media interviews.
In recent weeks, Walsh has made a series of provocative statements. He told Now magazine that Simon Cowell's yet-to-be-announced wedding would be 'fucking camp', and confirmed to the Daily Star that Nick Grimshaw would join the judging panel, breaking the show's carefully managed PR strategy. He also told the Daily Mail that viewers are right to say X Factor 'isn't quite what it used to be'.
Walsh's most notable comment came on Radio 1's Newsbeat, where he said the show has 'too much singing'. This criticism comes as he promotes his new boyband, HomeTown, which launched in London this week. Walsh has a history of leaving and rejoining X Factor, but insists this time he is gone for good.
The feud between Walsh and former co-judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has also resurfaced. Walsh has called her 'irrelevant' and 'lazy', while Fernandez-Versini has accused him of having an 'obsession' with her. The tension dates back to 2002, when Walsh managed Girls Aloud but was criticised for being 'hands off'.
Walsh is reportedly writing a book, which may settle further scores. Simon Cowell has said he and Walsh will always be friends, suggesting Walsh may avoid the fate of other former X Factor judges who fell out of favour with Syco.
