Louis Walsh has revealed that he is confident in X Factor’s ability to beat Strictly Come Dancing in this years ratings war.

In an interview with the Mirror, Louis revealed that he believes the BBC have shot themselves in the foot by sacking experienced judge Arlene Phillips.

Louis said: “We’re going to blow Strictly Come Dancing out of the water. They made a big mistake getting rid of Arlene Phillips. She’ll probably be hired in the States now.

“The BBC are just copying us. They watch everything The X Factor does but they just don’t do it as well as Simon.

“He always tells us never to be complacent. He always wants the show to be better. He always wants us to be better judges.”