Gary Barlow tells Simon Cowell he’ll quit X Factor unless he sacks Louis Walsh…

With all the changes that have been made to the X Factor judging panel over the years, it’s bizarre to think that Louis Walsh has hung onto his position on the show for so long (except for that brief moment when he got chucked off it of course).

Gary Barlow however is apparently unhappy he has to work alongside Louis and has told Simon that unless the Irish talent judge is sacked in time for next series, he won’t be coming back. A source told the Sunday Mirror today:

'Gary and Louis have completely different ideas of what this show is all about. Gary wants it to be a credible singing contest and Louis sees it as ­entertainment.

'Although he’s been outspoken defending his acts and ­criticising other people’s, Gary hates all the ­pantomime rowing and thinks Louis is behind most of it.

'He is also livid that Misha B was voted off last week as he feels she is hugely talented. He lays the blame for that squarely at Louis’ door.

'The thought of ­another year with Louis is just too much for him to bear. He says he will only ­consider coming back if Louis leaves.'

And if the Mirror are to be believed then it sounds as though Louis won’t be too devastated by that decision; apparently he’s been much less enthusiastic about this year’s show and has hardly been speaking to anyone backstage.

On this occasion we have to say we think Louis is right, the X Factor should and is about entertainment and we’ve certainly found him far more entertaining than Gary – it would be a really shame if he left the show.

Jesus, we just said something nice about Louis Walsh – we think we need to go and have a shower now, we feel dirty.