Louis Walsh ‘axed’ from the X Factor by Simon Cowell

Louis Walsh will not be returning to The X Factor this year, reports have claimed.

X Factor boss Simon Cowell allegedly had a chat with the Irish music manager to tell him face-to-face that he would not be invited to return to the talent show.

A source to the Sun on Sunday: “They are close friends so Simon wanted to do this the right way,

“So Simon spoke to Louis and told him that it's 95 per cent certain that he'll be 'stood down' this year.”

Another insider was less kind, revealing to the paper: ‘Viewers had become sick of Louis' constant use of tired cliches and the same old jokes.”

Louis has been a judge on the X Factor for over 10 years, mentoring acts such as Jedward.

The news follows reports that Simon, 55, is in talks with American pop star Demi Lovato in an attempt to piece together a judging panel.

Insiders have also revealed that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will get a big pay rise on her return to the show, whereas Mel B’s future still looks uncertain.

Are you sad to see Louis go? Let us know in the comments box below.