Louis Walsh misses being on 'The X Factor'

Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh

The 63-year-old music manager - who was axed as a judge on the ITV talent show earlier this year - has admitted he's been watching the new series and is feeling a bit nostalgic.

He confessed: "I do miss it a little bit actually. I actually do. I was watching it and I kind of missed being on it."

Louis thinks show boss Simon Cowell made a good decision to steal new judge Rita Ora from rival BBC show 'The Voice', but couldn't resist making a dig at his replacement, BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw.

Louis told ITV's 'Lorraine': "I think Rita's very funny. I think she's good, and Simon is okay. Cheryl [Fernandez-Versini] is Cheryl and the other guy, what's his name? Nick. He's trying, he's doing his best."

He also insisted he has no plans to give Rita and Nick any advice as it's his pal Simon's job to make the show work.

Louis explained: "Well Simon hired them, this is Simon's show. He hires and he fires so I think he has to make it right.

"They're going to be up against it with 'Strictly' though. Daniel O'Donnell and Peter Andre..."

However, despite claiming 'The X Factor' could struggle in its ratings war with BBC One celebrity dance contest 'Strictly Come Dancing', Louis still believes it's a more entertaining programme.

He added: "I still think it's the best show on TV, I still think he'll [Simon] get it right."