Reality TV

Louis Walsh: 'The X Factor was ageist'

Published Monday, Sep 6 2010, 20:05 BST | By Kristy Kelly
Louis Walsh judging on The X Factor

© ITV

Louis Walsh has reportedly claimed that he was fired from The X Factor in 2007 because of age discrimination.

The judge said that he was "devastated" when he received a phone call telling him that producers no longer wanted him on the show.

He told Glamour: "I was sacked - that's the truth of it. And I was devastated. When I got the phone call I felt like I'd been run over by a train.

"I just wasn't prepared for it. ITV wanted to make it younger, and so they axed me. It was like a public execution. It honestly was the worst thing that has ever happened to me."

When asked if the decision was "pure ageism", he replied: "Yes, but luckily the people who sacked me are no longer there, and I am."
More about these subjects
More: Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Reality TV, X Factor
Next: 'X Factor' Cher: "I wanted to shock"
Previous: 'X Factor' Cher: 'I pull weird faces'

Related Stories

Simon Cowell 'can't stand' Jessie J 68
Holden: X Factor best with guest judges 12
Mel B to be 'X Factor' guest judge 17
Nicole Scherzinger to be X Factor judge? 96
Cheryl 'knew Joe McElderry was gay' 68
X Factor: Geri upset with Mel B stint? 17
Misha B unveils 'Home Run' - listen 51
Scherzinger "grateful" for 'X Factor' 4
Labrinth won't write for X Factor stars 5
Alesha Dixon 'won't judge The X Factor' 9

Tube Talk

'Bedlam': On set for the new seriesTube Talk takes a trip to the Bedlam set and speaks with star Lacey Turner.
Lacey Turner stars in series 2 of 'Bedlam'

TV Interviews

'Mike and Molly' Reno Wilson Q&ADigital Spy chats to Reno Wilson about Mike and Molly's wedding and beyond.
Reno Wilson

TV Ratings

'The Apprentice' final hires nearly 7mEarlier, the BBC's coverage of the Diamond Jubilee entertains more than 10m.
The Apprentice - The Boys - Ricky Martin

TV Recaps

'Homeland' finale: Have your sayHomeland's incredible finale is reviewed by Digital Spy. Share your verdict.
Homeland S01E12: The Finale

More Reality TV News

Big Brother 13 Diary Room chair - pics 2
Dowling: 'I don't want Big Brother sex' 1
Brian Dowling Big Brother video interview 3
'Bachelor Pad' Holly Durst, Julian marry
BB's Aaron: 'Housemates tried suicide' 15
Simon Cowell 'can't stand' Jessie J 68
'Geordie Shore' series 3 trailer - watch 4
'The Apprentice' final hires nearly 7m 9
Voice Leanne Mitchell 'will not change' 5
O'Donoghue denies Bo Bruce romance 16
Get Cosmo on your iPhone and iPad
Cosmo now available on the go
Download your free app

Most Popular

Reality Bites

'The Apprentice' final: Live blogDigital Spy provides commentary and updates as Lord Sugar picks his business partner.
Karen Brady, Lord Sugar and Nick Hewer from 'The Apprentice'
Coachella couple Katy Perry and Robert Ackroyd break up?
Read more on handbag.com
DS Games
Play Deal or No Deal for jackpots up to £2 million. Paul M won £1.4 million!
Play now
S28 T1.9327499866486 {run_id}