X Factor’s Paul Akister joins show’s live tour after judge Mel B BEGS organisers

You know, we do like ourselves a bit of Louis Walsh but sometimes we just want to wring his neck – he gave the lovely Paul Akister the boot at the judges’ houses stage of The X Factor in 2013 before he returned and made it to the live finals last year.

Show judge Louis insisted Paul just “wasn’t ready” but, away from the aspiring pop star, he’s openly elaborated on his true reasoning, saying he wanted him to “lose weight” and “get a personality”. Wow.

Paul was gutted when he was voted off the last series in ninth place having lost out in a deadlock against Jay James, meaning he would not be performing in the nationwide live tour.

But Louis’ fellow judge Mel B literally begged tour bosses to let him perform at the gigs - and they have! Hoorah!

Paul will be taking his vocal cords to the Manchester shows and using them to warble away in the name of entertainment.

He said: “I’m so excited to be part of The X Factor Live Tour. Performing in my hometown arena is a dream come true and I cannot wait to see everyone again.”

Mr Akister will be a part of the Manchester matinee performances on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February.

The tour kicks off on 13 February in Belfast and tickets are on sale now.

GALLERY: X Factor 2014 - all the finalists from judges' houses