X Factor: Louis Walsh leaves ITV's singing competition
'I’ve had a fantastic 13 years but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave'
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After serving 13 years as judge on The X Factor, Louis Walsh has finally decided to step away from the show.
The 65-year-old has appeared on the show since 2004, making him the longest-standing judge.
“I’ve had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave,” Walsh said in a statement.
The entertainer confirmed he would remain on Ireland’s Got Talent, ad was looking forward to “going back to my day job as a manager, writing my memoirs and seeing the world.”
Walsh’s departure comes as the ITV talent show reportedly goes through a huge shake-up.
First up, Simon Cowell, who created the show but has only been a judge in six series, will return for the new series with three new judges, who will be announced soon..
Sahron Osborne will return in a smaller capacity, skipping the initial live shows. She said: “I can’t wait to get back to the judges’ desk. I love the new format.”
Amelia Brown, one of the show’s producers, said: “Louis has been a huge part of The X Factor‘s success since it launched and remains a good friend of the show.
“His contribution cannot be overstated. We would like to thank him for all he has given to the show over the years and look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.”
Speaking about the changes coming to the show, Brown added: ”This is the start of a new era for The X Factor. I am really excited about all the ideas we have for the coming series including, of course, the new judging panel.”
Over 30,000 people have already entered the 2018 series after open auditions happened around the country. The judges' auditions will take place at Wembley Arena, London, later this year.
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