Former judge Louis Walsh gave an interview with Daily Star Online, and dropped the strongest suggestion yet that the radio host would be on the next season.
After months of speculation linking him with the job, it seems that Nick Grimshaw will be taking up the vacant spot on ‘The X Factor’’s judging panel to replace the departing Louis Walsh.
It was Walsh himself who dropped the strongest indication yet that the Radio 1 DJ has signed up for the ITV singing show, saying that he had “got my job” in a statement to the Daily Star Online.
Nick Grimshaw is strongly rumoured to be Louis Walsh's 'X Factor' replacement
The 62 year old former boy band manager is leaving ‘The X Factor’ having been a judge ever since it first hit screens in 2004. It means that Grimshaw is set to sit alongside Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and one other judge, almost certainly Mel B, although she hasn’t yet stated publicly that she’ll be staying.
More: Brian Freedman is against Nick Grimshaw joining ‘The X Factor’
30 year old Grimshaw has been the host of BBC Radio 1’s breakfast show since 2012, and recently talked about the speculation that he could be in line for ‘The X Factor’ gig as well. “I wouldn't risk my job on Radio 1 but I think I could do both. I don't see why I couldn't do it. I don't think it would contradict my show on Radio 1. I think they would complement each other.”
But Walsh thinks that ‘Grimmy’ might be underprepared for the judging role, and had some words of caution for Grimshaw in the same interview if he thought he could juggle both jobs simultaneously. “I don't think he realises the hard work he has to put in though. It's going to be hard work for him. You don't just show up.”
Speaking about his own plans, Walsh said “I've flat out left, I'm not going back to the show, absolutely gone. I'm pleased as I get to do my actual job now.” On the nature of his exit from ‘The X Factor’ after all this time, he appears to have no regrets, admitting “I never thought I would last that long on the show. I left on really good terms with Simon, I'm talking to him all the time.”
More: Nick Grimshaw’s Radio 1 breakfast show is officially cautioned for on-air swearing