Louis makes it the Ex-Factor as he quits talent show after 13 years as judge

LOUIS Walsh has announced he is leaving The X Factor after 13 years – as the show ushers in a ‘new era’. The Mayo pop mogul, 65, has been the longest-serving judge on the talent contest, appearing on all bar one series since the show began in 2004.

He will continue to serve as head judge on TV3’s Ireland’s Got Talent, production company Thames confirmed.

Walsh, pictured, said in a statement: ‘I’ve had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave.

‘I’m looking forward to another series of Ireland’s Got Talent, going back to my day job as a manager, writing my memoirs and seeing the world.’

Sharon Osbourne, also 65, will have a scaled-back role in the show when it returns for a 15th series later this year.

She will only appear as a judge during the live episodes, skipping the audition process of the series.

She said: ‘I can’t wait to get back to the judges’ desk. I love the new format.’

In April this year, Walsh, who used to manage Irish boyband Westlife, shrugged off reports that he and Mrs Osbourne were facing the axe, insisting his contract for the next series was ‘water-tight’.

He said the show’s creator, Simon Cowell, had assured him his job was safe for another series of the ITV reality show, telling The Mirror: ‘I have a signed, water-tight contract, as has Sharon Osbourne. Of course you’ll see us back on the show.

‘Sharon and I have a three-year contract, and we’ve only done two, so this will be our third year. Simon doesn’t break contracts.’

Cowell will return to the show for the new series, with three new fellow judges, who will be announced in due course.

Amelia Brown, managing director of Thames, 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.’

She added: ‘We are very excited Sharon is taking on a new role on the show and we can’t wait to see her as a judge on the live episodes.

‘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.’

Auditions before the judges for The X Factor 2018 will take place at Wembley Arena in London. More than 30,000 contestants have already entered this year’s contest.