Cheryl Cole 'forgives Louis Walsh'

Louis Walsh has said that he and Cheryl Cole have a better relationship now than they did a year ago.

Cole joined Walsh on the panel of The X Factor last year as a replacement for Sharon Osbourne and Walsh told the Daily Mail that he was instrumental in getting his former Popstars: The Rivals protégé the role.

Walsh said: "I really rooted for her to get the job. I called her manager and the record company. It was me who called them to get her the job on the show.

"Cheryl and I have had several talks about what went wrong between us, and she understands me now more than she did then. She knows I prefer to work with boybands. Girlbands are too needy - I've always said that."

He added: "They want to be pandered to, which I won't do. I'm not good at all that. But she's forgiven me and we have a good and honest relationship now - more so this year than last.

"She's warm, looks fantastic, looks fresh and has her own opinions. She's a very professional judge. She's got time for everybody."