Louis Walsh has continued his public spat with his former colleague on ‘The X Factor’ Cheryl Fernandez-Versini by suggesting that she would refuse to be a panel judge alongside Nicole Scherzinger if the latter were to return.

Walsh has already been involved in a recent war of words with the ex-Girls Aloud star, branding her as “lazy” and “irrelevant” in an interview with Heat magazine on Tuesday last week. Cheryl had responded on Twitter by ridiculing Walsh as having an “obsession” with her. “Dear Lou Lou. Try using your mouth to say something positive about something positive,” she continued.

Cheryl ColeCheryl Cole will not be a judge alongside Nicole Scherzinger, claims Louis Walsh

It seems that the bad blood hasn’t receded yet. The 62 year old, who recently confirmed that he will not be returning for the new series of ‘The X Factor’ having been an ever-present on the judging panel since the show began in 2004, made the stinging comments to The Sun on Sunday.

More: Louis Walsh confirms he will not be returning to ‘The X Factor’

The former boy-band manager said “Cheryl's got a job. Why won't she let Nicole be on the panel this year? Why won't she allow Simon to have Nicole on the panel? There's your f****** story. That's the truth. Because Nicole's good. She won't sign if Nicole signs,” he argued.

Nicole ScherzingerNicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole are bitter rivals, according to Walsh

Speaking about the two seasons in 2012 and 2013 for which the Pussycat Dolls performer was a judge, he said “I thought Nicole would be great to get back. I really do. If I was going to hire any female, it would be her. Sharon Osborne would be amazing too. She was brilliant. The year before was so fun. But Simon won't hire her because he can't control her.”

As for his own vacant spot on the panel, Walsh ruled out Robbie Williams as potential candidate, stating “he told me he can’t”. Rock legend Jon Bon Jovi and Niall Horan from One Direction are also rumoured to be under consideration.

More: Cheryl Cole refuses to sit next to Louis Walsh on ‘The X Factor’ judging panel