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.”

I think that Louis no longer being a judge is no big loss. It would be a big loss if Sharon or Simon went because they’re more prominent characters. As for ditching Kate Thornton, weeeeell itv producers you’ve gone and done it now. All I can say is, what Julia Roberts said in ‘Pretty Woman’ …. ‘Big mistake, big, huuuuuuuge’. Kate to X Factor is like what Davina is to Big Brother. I for one don’t mind changes to shows such as X Factor and Big Brother such as different twists. BUT completely changing ‘THE PRESENTER’ is not going to be liked. Yes maybe ditching her after 1 series, but we’ve had Kate for 3 series now. We have warmed to her, she is a very likeable character and is very much part of the show. I don’t think it will be the same this year, even with 2 new judges and an extra category! I think getting 2 new judges in and one extra category would’ve been quite enough, but no, the producers have to go nuts and make big changes. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!! I reckon Kate will be sorely missed. A big shame!! **Sharon & Simon should walk out in protest, lol**
Comment by James — Thursday, 15 March, 2007 @ 03:44
I can’t beleive kate thornton has been sacked, i hope mylene class does not get this job as i think she is not a patch on kate and i would consider turning off.
Comment by billie — Saturday, 17 March, 2007 @ 11:13
Hi i have missed the dead line for the aplicant auditions, but really want to audition this year as i was unable to last year. where are the open auditions being held 2007 and is there just one or are there several.
(racheal anstey 18)
Comment by rachael anstey — Monday, 19 March, 2007 @ 21:09
i really liked kate thorton and the way she represented the show. It is not gonna be same as before now nd i don’t think anyone can come to replace her because she is the best. Well about louis he is absolutely fantastic and i don’t think the x factor 2007 is going to be intereting now because all of my friends and me love louis
Comment by Leona — Thursday, 22 March, 2007 @ 17:18
What’s the point in the X Factor now?
I only watched for Kate Thornton’s shapely calves!
Comment by Tequisa — Monday, 26 March, 2007 @ 21:09
It is being reported in America that Simon Cowell is not going to feature on the next series of X Factor.
True or False ? Come on ITV, better own up now, otherwise we are going to be very annoyed with you.
Comment by Davy Crockett — Friday, 30 March, 2007 @ 14:35
New Judge is likely to be Danni Minogue,who’s been working on Australian Idol. But I understand they are going to add another male judge – possibly a showbiz correspondent – papers are talking about Billy Bush from the U.S (first cousin of George) – But Simon Cowell is keen on going British, with Fox and Sky News journalist Neil Sean tipped to get involved. He used to work as a professional singer for Simon’s old buddy Pete Waterman.
Comment by Mole — Thursday, 5 April, 2007 @ 14:21
Such stupid moves, it has always been them 3 judges we have got used to them and we have warmed to them, there banter made excellent TV – and Kate mixed in with them extremely well – i think its so upsetting they were all so close and now they’ve been torn apart, XF’s rating were getting better every year so what was the point in doing that?! And dermot o’dreary – Oh purlease.. Kate comforted the contestants what the hell is he gonna do if a young boy comes out upset – shake his hand haha! Pat yourselves on the back ITV for acrewing up X Factor.
Comment by Kate — Sunday, 22 April, 2007 @ 21:15
Whilst I can understand you replacing Louis Walsh – I think it is a great mistake to get rid of Kate Thornton – she’s a gem.
Just please don’t let it be Cat Deeley – I can’t stand her!!!
Comment by Philip Richardson — Wednesday, 25 April, 2007 @ 12:52
Hiya! I know this is like a one in a million chance, but i met a guy called CHRIS at X factor in birmingham! he was lovely! He is 15 and lives in birmingham. I want to see him again! CHRIS if your read this please contact me from my myspace. http://www.myspace.com/x_lil_tami_x. I really want to tlk to you again! PLEASE IF YOU KNOW CHRIS TELL HIM ABOUT THIS BLOG! This is Tami lookin for Chris.
Comment by Tami — Wednesday, 2 May, 2007 @ 19:44
just wanted to say why say that some of these celebs are hot tip to present when everyone has already been told it’s gonna be Dermot
Comment by LEANNE — Sunday, 3 June, 2007 @ 18:19
well done x factor,we have watched the show since the first audition and is practically the only show we do watch,the only down side was the stupid rivalry between simon and louis.ultimately the show is about finding the best hidden talent in england and ireland.louis lost site of this and just wanted to beat simon losing some great contestants in the process.as for kate,well personally no big loss and to compare her to davina is just nonsense.i`ve always said that ben has the charm,warmth and charisma to be the perfect host,so come on x factor give him a go and make this program even more enjoyable,if thats possible.
Comment by angela — Wednesday, 6 June, 2007 @ 15:36
hiya im really gutted because i had sent an application form away to audition fot the x-factor and didnt get a reply so then missed the auditions . i am 15 years of age and really want to make something of my singing as ive been told im really good =!! i just want to know if i could by any way audition?????? please reply any1 asap. xxxxxxxxxxx
Comment by nicole — Tuesday, 19 June, 2007 @ 13:10
hi i just wanted to know if there are still auditions in shqaffield and xfactor is the best talent show ever x x x
Comment by kelly — Thursday, 12 July, 2007 @ 10:19
It was a shock to see Amy Connelly knocked out of the show very big mistake from Cheryl, ok there is a lot of talent on it this year but Amy sings from the heart & she doesnt need the x factor now, she has already made it.
Comment by Adrian Devine — Tuesday, 7 October, 2008 @ 20:52