Louis Walsh has wanted to leave 'The X Factor' for two years.

Louis Walsh

Louis Walsh

The 62-year-old music manager won't be returning to the show after 10 years on the panel and is "delighted" to have the time to focus on managing his new band HomeTown.

He said: "I'm delighted - [managing the band] is all I want to do. I told HomeTown two years ago it was what I wanted to do."

Though Louis has had offers to take part in other reality TV shows, he insists he isn't interested and just wants to enjoy his life.

He said: "I'm going to go travelling. I'm going to see the world. I'm going to enjoy my life.

"I've been asked to do the jungle ['I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!']. I'm not doing the jungle. I want to be a manager."

The Irish star feels much "happier" to be away from the talent contest but doesn't regret any of his time on the show.

He told new! magazine: "I'm more relaxed and I'm happier. But I had a great time doing 'X Factor'. I wouldn't take back one single thing. I made some really good friends.

"I'm still in touch with Simon [Cowell], we're pals, and I spoke to Sharon [Osbourne] earlier. I also text Tulisa and Nicole Scherzinger] all the time and I hear a lot from Gary Barlow."