Yahoo News Simon Cowell explains Louis Walsh's X Factor exit
Simon Cowell has spoken about the fresh changes introduced to The X Factor series 15, which will be broadcast later this year.
Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field are on the new judging panel, joined by One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, while Simon also returns to complete the line-up.
So, after serving 13 years on the talent show, Louis Walsh has now officially made an exit. According to Simon: "We always try and change things up. We've done this a long time... We wouldn't be sitting here, if I'm honest with you, without Louis."
"Louis has been brilliant on the show... We just got to a point where I said at some point you've got to make a change," the 58-year-old continued.
He then went on to mention the change in scenery for Sharon Osbourne, who's set for an appearance only during the live shows. "Sharon, we wanted a different role," Cowell explained.
"We thought an impartial judge on the live shows would be more interesting. I think we've needed that for a while. She's excited about that."
Show veteran Dermot O'Leary will also be coming back to the ITV show as the host.
Ayda Field defended her appointment as a new judge on Tuesday, insisting that she is more than capable of appearing on the panel.
The X Factor returns later this year on ITV.
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