Louis Walsh has claimed Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has refused to work alongside Nicole Scherzinger on 'The X Factor'.

Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

The departing judge says the 'Only Human' hitmaker is manipulating the show's boss Simon Cowell to ditch plans for the former Pussycat Doll to make a return to the judging panel.

He told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Cheryl's got a job! Why won't she let Nicole be on the panel this year? Why won't she allow Simon to have Nicole on the panel? There's your f***ing story. That's the truth. Because Nicole's good. She won't sign if Nicole signs.

"I thought Nicole would be great to get back. I really do. If I was going to hire any female, it would be her. Sharon Osbourne would be amazing too. She was brilliant. The year before was so fun. But Simon won't hire her because he can't control her. But that's exactly what would make the show. Sharon and Nicole would be amazing."

When Louis confirmed his exit earlier this month, there were rumours Nick Grimshaw was in the running to be his replacement.

Whilst it's something the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show's presenter would be happy to do, he won't let it threaten his career at the BBC.

He told the Daily Star on Sunday newspaper: "I wouldn't risk my job on Radio 1 but I think I could do both. I don't see why I couldn't do it. I don't think it would contradict my show on Radio 1. I think they would complement each other.

"I have always wanted to work at Radio 1 and love it. If we can make it happen though, great. I would love to do it. I think it is really fun and I love watching it."