Last night Louis Walsh defended his decision to get rid of girl group Addictiv Ladies from the X Factor last Saturday night.

He told the Mirror: “The girls were pretty c**p, to be honest. They’re just not ready.”

“In two years’ time, they’re going to be great, but at the moment they’re too raw and their vocals are not there yet.”

He said he did not feel guilty about upsetting the teenagers, adding: “I’ve had 20 years of rejection in the music industry. If they can’t take it, they shouldn’t be in the business.

“I think it will make them stronger and better. It was hard for them as they were on first and they were so nervous.

“But ultimately, I think they will thank me for this.”

But he insists that he is not turning into Mr Nasty as his fellow judges have branded him. He said: “I really have not turned nasty. Last year I could not get a word in edgeways. I was thrown in at the deep end with two divas who think they know everything – and that’s not easy on live TV.

“This year they are not going to stop me.

“Sharon may have new hair – I’ve got a new attitude.”