Yahoo News Louis Walsh quits X Factor while Sharon Osbourne negotiates new £1m deal
The X Factor judge Louis Walsh has quit the show after 13 years while Sharon Osbourne has renegotiated her contract.
Walsh, 65, has been the longest-serving judge in the programme’s history, boarding the reality TV series back in 2004 – only ever missing one series.
The Irish star announced: ‘I’ve had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave.
‘I’m looking forward to another series of Ireland’s Got Talent, going back to my day job as a manager, writing my memoirs and seeing the world,’ and describes his time on the show as ‘fantastic’.
Thames, the show’s production company, thanked Louis for playing such a ‘huge part’ in the ongoing success of the talent programme.
The production company’s managing director, Amelia Brown, said: ‘His contribution cannot be overstated.
‘We would like to thank him for all he has given to the show over the years and look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.’
The news comes after it was revealed that fellow judge Sharon Osbourne had been set to leave along with Walsh but had renegotiated her role to be earning £1 million while doing less work than previous seasons.
It was believed that ITV were unwilling to pay either judge off to terminate their contracts as it would cost the channel more money than keeping them on – but is appears they’ve had second thoughts on the matter.
Catch The X Factor when it returns to ITV1 later this year.
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