Xtra Factor host Matt Richardson has said he hopes Louis Walsh returns to The X Factor this summer.
The presenter is a big supporter of the Irish music mogul, who had hinted ahead of last year’s 10th run that he would step down from the panel.
It is thought that the return of Simon Cowell has persuaded him to stay, but returning mentor Cheryl Cole allegedly wants him gone.
Matt told Digital Spy:
“It’s not much without him, is it? He’s the guy. He’s been there ten years. X Factor without Louis is like separating Ant and Dec. You just can’t do it.
“That’s not how it works. X Factor isn’t X Factor without Louis Walsh.”
He added that he has no idea if he himself will be back on the ITV2 spinoff show.
“It’s one of those things that you don’t know until quite late – that’s just how they operate,” he explained.
“I had loads of fun doing it. It was such a fun six months, so I would do it again, but it’s kind of hard to work out if they want you or if people liked you and stuff. So I’m not sure. It’s their decision – if they ask me, I’ll say yes!”
