Louis Walsh has responded to reports that he is being sacked from The X Factor.
Rumours that Simon Cowell was contemplating shaking up the judging panel for the 2018 series of the ITV singing competition by replacing Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and the former Westlife manager with a brand new line-up surfaced over the weekend.
According to reports, Scherzinger had already been dropped from the panel, with Cowell reportedly considering also parting ways with Sharon and Louis in favour of new judges, which could include Cheryl, Louis Tomlinson and Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.
Speaking for the first time since rumours emerged, Louis claims his "watertight" three-year contract would mean both he and Mrs O would receive pay outs if they were to be replaced.
"My contract is watertight," Louis told The Sun. "I've checked it out with someone and have told Simon that.
"He has asked me to come and see him in LA. I have spoken to Sharon. She's said they can only sack us if they pay us.
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"Sharon did say she was surprised she hadn't been given any filming dates.
"I don't think they've finalised what they're going to do with the panel. We have three-year contracts. We both do."
It was previously reported that Cowell was considering a five-person panel, keeping the 2017 lot with the addition of Cheryl.
An X Factor spokesperson previously told Digital Spy: "There is always speculation regarding The X Factor judging panel."
The X Factor returns later this year to ITV.
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