X Factor judge, Louis Walsh, is said to be demanding £1.3 million to remain on the judging panel on the show this year.

The Sun reports that Walsh is currently earning £800,000 per series, but sees himself as such an integral part of the show that he wants to almost double his wage.

An insider said: “It may sound like a lot of money but that’s how Louis sees his market value.

“He is a key reason why The X Factor has become one of Britain’s most popular TV shows and he has had a lot of success in the ‘real world’ managing the likes of Boyzone and Westlife.”