X Factor judge Louis Walsh is to be replaced by two new judges on the X Factor judging panel, in a bid by ITV bosses to freshen up the show.

Louis told the papers that he wasn’t given the push, but decided to go, saying: “I have decided to leave to completely focus my energy on my job as an artist manager. I have had a fantastic time being part of ‘X Factor’ and have become great friends with Sharon.” Needless to say, Sharon and Simon will remain on the judges panel.

As part of the revamp, Kate Thornton will also be replaced as X Factor host with Ben Shephard, Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley hotly tipped to take her place. Kate said: “Presenting ‘X Factor’ has been fantastic. I wish the new host every success.”

X Factor runners up Ray Quinn and Ben Mills plan to release their debut albums on the same day - Monday 12th March 2007.

Both are signed to Sony BMG and Ben has been busy recording his debut album entitled “Picture Of You” in former Rolling stones studio in London whereas Ray has been in L.A recording his swing album which is entitled “Ray Quinn”.

Ray will be promoting his album in Liverpool Glasgow and Newcastle as he flies around from place to place in his personalised Ray Quinn branded helicopter and you can catch Ben at Woolworths in Oxford Street, Swansea on Monday 12th March where he will be signing copies of his new album from 4pm.

Simon Cowell recently found out what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the sort of comments he regularly gives X Factor contestants.

Whilst attempting to parallel park his black Jaguar in America recently, a group of high-school students noticed his parking problems. They are reported to have showered him with comments such as
“Hey, Simon, what on earth were you thinking?…Who told you that you could drive?”,
“It’s painful to watch you do this!…You’ve got to be the worst driver I’ve ever seen!”,
and finally
“Sorry, Simon…it’s a NO for me!”.
This last comment seems to have been too much for Cowell, who then reportedly gave up and sped away.