LOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET...
X Factor judge vows to uncover singing superstars
other since the 70s and shared a mutual passion for dance. She said: “I first met him when his daughter Julie came to the Italia Conti school in London where I was teaching. He was a real family man and a phenomenal dancer.
“I’ll never forget him backstage on Strictly revving himself up like car engine so that when he went on stage he was full of energy.
“I think he liked me because I was a fighter, someone determined to break the mould. That was what Bruce always wanted to do.”
Shirley Ballas, 56, is taking over from head judge Len Goodman when Strictly returns on Saturday. Arlene is not sure she would have wanted to return.
She said: “I love the show but I just wish I’d had nicer clothes.
“I was always put in a black jacket.” X FACTOR stalwart Louis Walsh is confident shaking up the show will produce a new batch of singing superstars.
Show boss Simon Cowell, 57, is hoping stripping back the format and encouraging wannabes to perform their own songs will revitalise X Factor.
Last night two acts – Rak-Su and Grace Davies – impressed with their original music and were put through to boot camp.
Louis, 65, said there is likely to be more of that. He said: “We’re going to find three or four great artists this year, I’m absolutely sure. I just know we are.”
One big change to the show, in its 14th year, is that former acts will not be allowed back.
Explaining the move, Louis said: “Simon hates being predictable.
“I know there are going to be less live shows and the jukebox is gone. It’s going be fresher.”
But one thing that has remained constant is the judging panel. Back alongside Louis and Simon is Sharon Osbourne, 64 and Nicole Scherzinger, 39.
Louis said: “I’ve got a threeyear contract. I know Sharon has. I don’t know about Nicole.”
When asked who Simon preferred as a judge between Nicole and Cheryl, 34, who left X Factor after the 2015 show, Louis said: “Nicole is the best judge for me.
“Who would Simon prefer? Nicole. This is the best line up. No one can touch Nic, she’s a workhorse. She puts more hours in than anyone. If I was on the show I would want her as a mentor.”
It is not the first time the Irishman has had a dig at Cheryl, who he once managed in her band Girls Aloud.
In the past he has called her “irrelevant” and said she “wasn’t great” on the X Factor.
But he did say he would back the new mum – who had son Bear with One Direction’s Liam Payne in March – if she decided to return to the show.
Crazy
He said: “I wouldn’t mind Cheryl back. I’m glad she’s happy. I think this baby has probably changed her.” Louis was also pleased for fellow Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding, 35, after she won Celebrity Big Brother. He said: “I’m so gladd she won. She was so crazy, but that’s her. Otherwise it was a boring show. I stilltill like her and thought she was brave to do it and show herself warts and all. “If she gets her act together she could revive her solo career. areer. Back in Girls Aloud days shee was a bit odd but I like her.” HeH was optimistic aboutab formerer X Factor starss Alexandrandra Burke anda JLS’s’ s Aston Merrygold’sd’s chances on BBC rivalival Strictly Come Dancing. ancing. Louis said: “I’m glad they’rey’re doing it. It will help their careers especiallypecially ifi they’re good. BothB can dance.” nce.”