X Factor: Louis Walsh Wasn’t A Fan Of 2015’s Judging Panel

Louis Walsh has confirmed, once again, that he wasn’t really a fan of 2015’s X Factor judging panel.

The X Factor veteran is returning to judge this year’s competition, alongside fellow returnees Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and, obviously, Simon Cowell.

They replace Cheryl and newbies Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw, who received mixed reviews when they appeared on the panel last year.

Taking a dig at the former judging line-up in an interview with Best magazine, Louis said: “Sharon and I are old, but that means we’re far more experienced, unlike the young whippersnappers on last year’s panel who didn’t know a thing about talent.

“Sharon and I pushed for Nicole, we didn’t want Rita Ora. It turned into a fashion show. The panel didn’t have the right credentials. They were lightweight.”

Don’t mince your words there, Louis.

Copyright [Dymond/Syco/Thames/Corbis]

Speaking about his return, the judge added: “I’m back with a vengeance.”

His comments come after Simon Cowell admitted they knew last year’s line-up would be tough from the start, telling The Mirror: “When we announced the new line up compared to last year, it was 95% positive, no one was saying it was a mistake and that was what we were getting last year.

“I mean the minute we announced it, it was like f**k, this doesn’t feel great, let’s see how it goes. But it was tough. This year has been a hoot, it has been fun back working with the three of them.”