X Factor: Louis Walsh hits out at Simon Cowell over 2007 sacking

Louis Walsh has said that Simon Cowell sacking him because of ageism was a “big mistake”.

The Irish judge, 61, who has announced that he will be quitting the talent show after this year’s series, was axed in 2007 but quickly reinstated.

“Big mistake. I was gutted,” Walsh said of the sacking. “I couldn’t believe I was off the show, me and (presenter) Kate Thornton. I was sure I was safe.”

The star, who has previously blamed ageism, said: “Somebody in ITV got into Cowell’s ear and told him to make it younger and fresher. It was an age thing.”

Walsh was replaced by US dancer and choreographer Brian Friedman before he was asked to return.

He said: “Then I had to wait. Simon rang me and said, ‘There is a possibility that you could come back,’ but then he said, ‘You cannot tell anybody’.”