Louis Walsh has announced his intention to leave the X Factor after this year's series.

The Irish music manager has been a permanent fixture on the TV talent show since its inception back in 2004.

However, he has told TV Times that he thinks this year's series will be his last on the judging panel. Walsh said:

"I'm happy this is going to be my last year. I've been judging X Factor for ten years so I've done it all."

He added: "It was never in my plan to be on TV but Simon Cowell put me there. I'm very grateful to him but I need my life back!"

Walsh will be joined this year by returning singers Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as comeback queen Sharon Osbourne.

The series will hit TV screens later this month.