Louis Walsh has hit back at Cheryl Cole over claims she made about Walsh's tenure as Girls Aloud manager.

As previously reported, Cole said in a recent interview that all Walsh did during his time as manager was to collect a cheque - with Girls Aloud more or less managing themselves.

However, speaking to the Mirror, Walsh admitted his surprise at the remarks - and effectively called off their friendship. He said:

"As far as I'm concerned, our friendship is over. I've no idea why she’s made these comments but, in my eyes, it says a lot about her. I was always the first to defend her on the X Factor, and always watched her back. I thought we were friends. I won't stand for anyone criticising me professionally and if I was in London right now I'd give her a piece of my mind."