Walsh unhappy with 'X Factor' changes

Louis Walsh has complained that he has been "stabbed in the back" after being axed from The X Factor.

The music mogul, who was a judge on the show for three years, also claimed that Simon Cowell and ITV misled ex-host Kate Thornton by assuring her that she would not be replaced for the fourth series.

"It was a bad move sacking Kate. She was like a mother figure for all the acts. She will be a big loss," Louis told The Sun. "It was made worse because Simon and ITV kept telling Kate she was safe, that she'd be staying. But it would seem Simon's word is not his bond.

"I was really shocked, I have to admit that. I did feel like I had been stabbed in the back. With Simon, it's all about work. He told me, 'It's nothing personal.'"

However, Simon Cowell has insisted that he wanted Walsh and Thornton to return for another series, but the final decision rested with ITV.

"Much like Coronation Street, we have to make changes to a long-running hit show - and sometimes, the most popular people have to go," Cowell explained. "Louis has been in discussions about the commitment he could offer, and he was so busy with his management career. It just worked out that it would be better if we got a new judge.

"I did put up arguments for Louis and Kate to stay, but ITV put up their arguments for them to go and it was their ultimate decision."