Louis Walsh will QUIT the X Factor after this season – to concentrate on new boyband

X Factor judge Louis Walsh has revealed he plans to quit the show at the end of this series.

The Mayo man said “you have to move on” – and wants to be able to concentrate on propelling new boyband Hometown to the top of the charts.

It would mean that after 11 years, the ITV show would be without the only remaining original judge.

Work: Louis wants to concentrate on band | BRIAN MCEVOY

He said: “You have to move on, I’ve got things to do. I’m a manager of a new band.

“I’m still managing Shane from Westlife and that’s my real job, you know. I love doing X Factor but it’s not my only job.”

Last year, Louis had planned to walk away before Simon Cowell wooed him back with a €1.3 million deal.

Foe: Cheryl and Louis aren’t each other’s biggest fans | ITV

It would be a massive win for Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who has been honest about not getting on well with the 61-year-old.

Previously she had tried to make TV bosses hire someone younger instead of Louis.

> Revealed: See what each X Factor judge earns