Irish music mogul LOUIS WALSH has accused SIMON COWELL of stabbing him in the back after axing him from UK reality TV show THE X FACTOR.
Manager Walsh has lost his place alongside Cowell and SHARON OSBOURNE on the show's judging panel in a shake-up that also saw host KATE THORNTON sacked.
Cowell claims Walsh was too busy to commit enough time to the show and even alleges he attempted to save the pair's jobs, and that the decision to sack them was made by network ITV - but Walsh is furious.
Walsh says, "I was really shocked, I have to admit that. I did feel like I had been stabbed in the back. With Simon it's all about work. He told me, 'It's nothing personal.'" He adds of Thornton's departure, "It was a bad move sacking Kate. She was like a mother figure for all the acts. She will be a big loss.
"It was made worse because Simon and ITV kept telling Kate she was safe. It would seem Simon's word is not his bond." But Cowell defends himself, insisting, "Louis has been in discussions about the commitment he could offer and he was too busy with his managerial career.
It just worked out that it would be better if we got a new judge.
"I did put up arguments for Louis and Kate to stay, but ITV put up their arguments for them to go, and it was their decision."