I’M NOT GETTING THE AXE FACTOR
Walsh denies he’s facing Cowell bullet and insists his contract is ‘watertight’
X FaCTOR judge Louis Walsh has shrugged off reports that he and Sharon Osbourne are facing the axe.
The 65-year-old insisted boss Simon Cowell has assured him his job is safe for another series of the ITV talent show.
It has emerged, though, that Bootcamp is facing the chop.
Walsh, who has twice been axed from the panel before being reinstated, said yesterday: “I have a signed, watertight contract, as has Sharon Osbourne. Of course you’ll see us back on the show.”
He told our sister paper the Mirror he had spoken to Cowell, adding: “Sharon and I have a threeyear contract, and we’ve only done two, so this will be our third year. Simon doesn’t break contracts.”
However, fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger, 39, is unlikely to return.
Her contract expired last season. Cheryl Tweedy, who was on the panel before, has been suggested as her replacement.
Walsh said: “If Nicole’s not back, I’m going to miss her. She’s the best – I love and adore her.”
The X Factor is facing a format shake-up before the new series as producers try to freshen its appeal.
A source at the show said: “There’s a strong chance Bootcamp will be axed this year.
“Since Six Chair Challenge was introduced in 2013, it has almost superseded the need for Bootcamp.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.