Simon Cowell has been urged to axe Louis Walsh from ‘The X Factor’.
ITV bosses have asked the 54-year-old music mogul – who is set to make a comeback on the singing contest alongside Cheryl Cole this year – to get rid of the veteran judge, who has appeared on all 10 previous series, to ensure the panel is "strong" in the new series.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "What we’ve said is we want the panel to be as strong as it can be and if that means getting rid of people who have been on it before, so be it.
"The show is going through a creative renewal with Simon and Cheryl Cole back, so it’s only right we make it as good as we can.
"It’s not just Simon’s show – it’s ITV’s, so we have a big say.
"It was ITV boss Peter Fincham that helped broker the deal for Cheryl to come back."
However, it seems Simon is keen to have Louis back.
A source added: "Lots of people have been spoken to about ‘The X Factor’ panel, but that’s just to find the fourth judge, not replace Louis.
"Simon wants Louis back but he’s conscious he has to play along with ITV’s wishes. It’s hard enough finding one new person, let alone two, so he’s confident he’ll get his way."
ITV want Louis Walsh axed
