Camp’s got the boot but not me
Louis says he & Sharon will return X Factor format to get a shake-up
X FACTOR judge Louis Walsh has shrugged off reports he and Sharon Osbourne are facing the axe.
The music guru insists boss Simon Cowell has assured him his job is safe for another series of the ITV talent show, Louis, 65, who has been axed and reinstated on the panel twice, told the Mirror: “I have a signed, water-
WATERTIGHT DEAL Louis Walsh 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.”
However, judge Nicole Scherzinger, 39, is unlikely to return, as her contract expired after the last series. Cheryl Tweedy, 34, has been suggested as her replacement.
The show is facing a format shake-up before the new series, with Bootcamp facing the axe. A source at the show said: “Since Six Chair Challenge was introduced in 2013, it has almost superseded the need for Bootcamp. Bosses love the nail-biting drama and are toying with the idea of skipping straight to it from the audition stages. They’re debating how the new format could work for the contestants.
“Once the running order is confirmed, they will be able to lock in the judges for the next series.”
Bookies William Hill have odds on Robbie Williams joining the panel at 5/2, and Cheryl’s boyfriend Liam Payne at 20/1. Former X Factor panellist Mel B and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson are 4/1.