Louis Walsh Phoned Simon Cowell Every Week ‘Screaming’ About The X Factor

With the new series just around the corner, we’re hearing more gossip from behind the scenes about what went down when the Irish music manager was shockingly droppped from the talent show.

Following his departure Louis, 64, tuned in every week to see how the changes - which included dropping host Dermot O’Leary and promoting Caroline Flack and Olly Murs as co-presenters, and swapping Louis and Mel B for radio DJ Nick Grimshaw and popstar Rita Ora - panned out.

Simon admits he didn’t expect the exiled judge - who won back his job this year - to call him in the early hours of the morning with his appraisal and screech and moan about the things he didn’t like.

Simon revealed: ‘What was so funny was that he used to phone me every week, I’d get an hour where he would scream down the phone and I’d be like, ‘Well, stop watching. I can’t help it, it’s not my fault if you don’t like it anymore’.

‘But honest to god, it was a weekly call. It would start about two in the morning and I’d be like, 'Oh god, it’s Louis again’. I’d put it on speaker, lie down and listen.“

Copyright: Pictures suplied by Wenn

However, Simon, 56, doesn’t hold it against his old friend.

He added: “He was passionate, he missed the old show and I liked seeing
that side of Louis, sometimes he can get a little bit passive, but this was the Louis I have always known as a manager, he’s got a big mouth, he’s outspoken and critical, but that’s what I love about him.“

The X Factor returns to television screens on August 27 and 28,
2016, at 8pm on ITV.