Piers Morgan has lashed out at X Factor judge Louis Walsh, after being branded the ‘poor man’s Simon Cowell.’

Louis made the comments after joining the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel in Birmingham for two days last week.

Speaking out about Walsh’s comments, Morgan told The Daily Star: “Louis is a poor man’s Jason Gardiner and that’s about as bad a place as you can find yourself in the talent judging business.

“He is a giggling, fawning leprechaun whose critiques carry the weight of a 2oz gherkin. It’s like having a grandpa on the panel.”

A show source added: “Putting Louis and Piers together was like putting Peter Andre and Alex Reid in the ring. It was like World War Three.”