Louis Walsh signed up to 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Out of Here!' this year - but his 'X Factor' boss Simon Cowell talked him out of it at the last minute.

Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh

The 64-year-old music manager negotiated a deal with the bosses of the creepy-crawly show when he was dramatically dropped from the singing competition's panel last year, but his plans to slip into his jungle gear were scuppered when his pal got in touch.

Speaking on 'Alan Carr's 12 Stars of Christmas', he said: "I was offered the one in the jungle, 'I'm A Celebrity'. Simon Cowell rang me and said: 'Don't do it darling, don't do it, I've got another plan for you.' He was obviously giving me the gig back."

Louis was devastated when he was axed from the programme following 11 years as a judge but, despite his anger, he was always adamant he'd never sign up to its rival show 'Strictly Come Dancing' because he's awful at moving to rhythm.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, he said earlier this year: "I would never do 'Strictly Come Dancing.' I can't dance. You have to be really good. There's no hiding on 'Strictly', you have to be really good. Those judges are tough, they're cruel but they know what they're talking about. It's a very feel-good show, it's a family show."