Louis Walsh defends Sharon Osbourne

Louis Walsh has defended his X Factor co-star Sharon Osbourne, insisting that it would be a huge mistake to axe her from the judging panel.

Recent tabloid rumours have suggested that Osbourne will not be returning for the show's fifth series, but this has been denied by producers on more than one occasion.

Sharon was also criticised by fans for her behaviour in the first live show of this series, which saw her threatening to quit the programme because two of her acts were in the bottom two.

"She was seriously considering walking away. It was not a publicity stunt," Louis told the News of the World. "But she knew she had to come back for her two acts. It's life, it's real. It's part Jerry Springer. And I stick by Sharon totally. She was loyal to me when I was sacked.

"They can't replace her because there's no-one else like her. And Simon Cowell cannot control her. That's what makes it fantastic telly."

Walsh admitted that he has been disappointed with new judge Dannii Minogue's performance on the show thus far: "She is not picking the right songs for her guys. After 27 years in the business I don't know why she can't pick better ones."

Louis also commented on reports of a feud between Osbourne and Minogue.

"Both want to be Queen Bee," he explained. "Sharon's Queen Bee in my book and Dannii is the new kid on the block. But they've sorted themselves out. I can see them becoming good friends by the end of the series."