Simon Cowell Admits He Misses Louis Walsh On ‘The X Factor UK’
KEN MCKAY/Rex Features Reading Time: 2 minutes
This season of The X Factor UK started with some major shake-ups. Not only did they make tweaks to how the game is played, but they also changed the judge’s panel. All of this was an attempt by Simon and the other producers to bolster the show’s sagging ratings. One of the casualties of these changes was longtime judge Louis Walsh. But Simon misses his old chum.
Louis Walsh was part of the judge’s panel on The X Factor since the series began many moons ago. He wasn’t as boisterous as Sharon Osbourne or edgy as Simon, but he was a good anchor for the show. Louis was one of my favorite judges. I loved his sincere excitement over the acts on the show. But Simon and the producers wanted to appeal to a younger demographic, which is why they brought on Robbie Williams, Louis Tomlinson, and Ayda Field. In spite of this, there is no way that Simon can’t feel Louis’ absence after so many years. This is a kinder, gentler Simon after all. Simon said,
“Yes, I am missing Louis. But you know, he still does Ireland’s Got Talent and he can come back… as a contestant. We have the overs category so we would have to have the older and older category. For the over 80s.”
That’s a solid burn, but I think behind the sarcasm there is some genuine human emotion. Louis and Simon are on good terms, apparently. Louis said he was ready to move on any way. Maybe we should start covering Ireland’s Got Talent? I bet they get some wonderfully weird acts.
