Louis Walsh slams new X Factor panel and suggests Simon Cowell is too old for the show

Louis Walsh was axed from the X Factor this year after 11 years on the show and he’s not impressed with the talent competition now he’s left – he’s slammed the judging panel and has hit out at Simon Cowell because of his age.

Music manager Louis has been replaced by BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora has stepped into former Spice Girl Mel B’s big platform shoes on the panel.

And while Louis is impressed with singer Rita, he’s still unsure about his replacement, Nick.

According to the Daily Star Sunday, he said: “I’m not sure about Grimshaw. I haven’t seen much of him. People don’t like change and I think they miss [former host] Dermot [O'Leary] and maybe some people miss me. The new panel needs time to bed in.”

Louis also thinks Simon’s clichéd comments are getting on viewers’ nerves and that his age may be counting against him, saying: “He’s the oldest on the panel now so that may be affecting him.”

The Irishman was rumoured to be returning to the show for the judges’ houses section of the series but he’s not impressed One Direction star Louis Tomlinson may also be making an appearance.

He said: “He’s the least popular member of One Direction, so I’m not sure.”

However, Louis says he would go back to the show if he was invited back and a fun panel of judges was set to appear.

And he’s also been on the phone to Simon discussing how the current series could be improved.

Louis said: “I spent an hour on the phone with him. But that’s not unusual. We often talk about the show. If I can help, I will.

“I think the ratings will improve during the live shows, they always do. I still watch every show.

“They have to find a credible winner this year. I expect Simon will roll out the big guns during the live episodes.

“The big stars still line up to be on this show.”

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