Louis Walsh says Simon Cowell bullies him

Louis Walsh has accused Simon Cowell of being a bully.

The Irishman has been a permanent fixture on the panel of the UK X Factor since it started in 2004.

However, his long run on the show doesn't seem to make him immune to criticism from the programme's boss and fellow judge Simon Cowell.

Walsh told the Mirror: "I'm always the fall guy on X Factor. You watch the tapes back.

"Simon never takes it out on the girls, you know. I think if he did it to them it would be perceived as bullying. Basically it is okay to bully me. He can do what he wants."

The music manager added that he is left feeling tired as this year's series continues, saying:

"People think we just swan in here on a Friday and Saturday, but it's five days a week, and it's full on. With Simon back, he's working us hard. There's meeting after meeting. There's a meeting directly after each show on Saturday night. It's been 11 years now. It's too early to think about next year but it does take it out of you. I don't know what next year holds."

Watch Louis Walsh being interviewed below: