Louis Walsh is leaving The X Factor after 11 years

After 11 years, Louis Walsh is leaving The X Factor to join another talent show, according to reports.

As part of a big shake-up planned by Simon Cowell the 62-year-old will no longer be a judge on the ITV programme after almost 11 years.

Now Simon Cowell has tweeted that the pair "will always be friends" despite his exit from the show.

It's thought TV bosses are bringing in new faces to freshen up The X Factor panel.

Commenting on the decision, Leigh Francis told Newsbeat at the Bafta TV awards in London that he'd contacted Louis to offer his support.

"I texted him this morning and said I'm really sorry to hear you're not doing it, it won't be the same. I love Louis Walsh," he said.

This tweet shows Leigh Francis, AKA Keith Lemon, chatting to Newsbeat on the red carpet.

He said Louis texted back saying he hadn't been sacked: "He said 'I wasn't fired' and he's doing another show anyway."

Louis was one of the original judges back when The X Factor started in 2004, alongside fellow judge Sharon Osbourne and the first presenter, Kate Thornton.

Over the years he has sat alongside the likes of Mel B, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow and Tulisa, as well as Cheryl.

Davina McCall told Newsbeat: "I see what Simon's doing... I'm sad for Louis because I love Louis - but he's shaking it up and it's brave to do that.

"With Dermot going he probably just said, 'Let's just really shake it up' and have a look at everything. It's good to do that sometimes, it keeps it fresh," she said.

Louis Walsh has apparently been earmarked by Simon Cowell for Ireland's Got Talent and it's unclear whether he'll make a return to The X Factor as a music expert or in the judge's houses.

A spokesperson for The X Factor told Newsbeat: "No formal decisions have been made regarding the full panel for this year's series."

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack were named the new hosts for the 12th series, when Dermot O'Leary stands down after eight years of fronting the show.

It's thought a shake-up of judges could also be part of the plan and Louis Walsh has recently said he thought his time on the talent show was over.

Speaking on Irish television, he said: "I think I'm done with The X Factor honestly. My day job is as a manager, I've kind of neglected that. I want to get back to being a manager."

His original comments will be missed by the audience.

"I was gutted. I feel that he's sort of the home hub of the X Factor in a way," said Towie star Jessica Wright.

"He's always been there and I'm actually quite gutted that he's gone. I'll be interested to see who they replace him with."

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