Louis Walsh accuses Cowell of telling lies

Louis Walsh has accused Simon Cowell of telling lies about the X Factor shake-up.

The music mogul, who has been axed as a judge on the show after three years, insisted that Cowell came up with the changes being made to the contest, despite his statement claiming that ITV are responsible.

Walsh was told about the decision on Wednesday, shortly after being sent by Cowell to Stockholm, Sweden, to meet songwriters for the new series.

"It was totally unexpected," Louis told the News of the World. "Just a week before, I'd been sitting in Simon's home in LA talking about what we'd do with the new series. We were talking about who should be the fourth judge. I even suggested some names like Chris Moyles.

"That's what sticks in my throat - Simon went on like it was business as usual. Why did he send me to Stockholm and have me working on the series if he didn't want me judging?

"I have spoken to him since and he has offered me another show. He blames ITV for my leaving, but I don't believe for a second that this has anything to do with them. Simon controls everything about X Factor. This has everything to do with him."

Walsh added that Kate Thornton is devastated after being sacked as the show's host.

"She's very upset and feels really humiliated," he said. "She wants to speak to Simon but he hasn't even called to wish her well."