Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh claims Simon Cowell's return to 'The X Factor' has "upped everyone's game".

The 62-year-old star claims the music mogul's return to the ITV talent show's judging panel after a three year absence has meant everyone - including his fellow judges Mel B and Cheryl Fernandez Versini - have had no time for slacking.

Louis said: "I think he's going to be different, I think he's going to be fun, I think there's going to be sparks between him, Cheryl and Mel B.

"That's the best thing about the show - Simon being back. Having him here is exciting.

"When he's around everyone is better. Everyone works harder. We always have to prove why we're there.

He added to The Sun newspaper: "He demands more. He's sitting looking at everything. He takes everything in. He scans the room."

Meanwhile, former Spice Girls star Mel B has revealed she doesn't think she and her former bandmates - Victoria Beckham, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell - would have made it past the judges if they'd auditioned for the show.

She said: "Oh God, I don't know how they would have worked out. I'd like to think they'd get through but I don't know!"