Louis Walsh has confirmed he will be leaving The X Factor after this season and that he is "happy" with his decision to leave the ever-popular reality series behind him.

Louis Walsh
Louis Walsh at The X Factor auditions at Wembley Arena, London.

Speaking to TV Times magazine, he said he is looking forward to returning to his role as a manager. On his decision to leave he said "I'm happy this is going to be my last year. I've been judging X-Factor for 10 years so I've done it all."

On his future following the show, Walsh appears to already have made plans as he spoke of creating a new boy band and also "managing Shane Filan from Westlife," who plans to embark on a solo career. Walsh has previously managed Filan before, as he was responsible for managing Westlife in the late 90s. He also worked with the popular boy band Boyzone until 2000.

Sharon Osbourne
Walsh's fellow judge, Sharon Osbourne, at the CW, CBS and Showtime Summer Party, Beverly Hills.

Walsh will be appearing in the upcoming series of The X Factor but will be stepping down from his judging role after this season finishes. A spokesperson for The X Factor the show was "delighted Louis is back for a record breaking 10th series".

Walsh will appear alongside fellow judges Sharon Osbourne, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger. As for who will replace Walsh, a spokesperson for the televised talent competition said "it's far too early to say what the judging panel for 2014 may or may not look like."

However, it is unknown if the show will return at all following the tenth series. The show will have completed their ITV deal by the end of the upcoming season, although it is believed Simon Cowell is negotiating with the network to further series. 

Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow at The X Factor auditions held at Wembley Arena in London.