Shane Filan wanted X Factor guest judge job

Shane Filan wanted to be a guest judge on the forthcoming series of \'The X Factor\'.

The former Westlife singer has already done the job a few times for his pal Louis Walsh, but unfortunately he\'s on tour in support of his new album \'Love Always\' when the ITV talent show returns to screens on September 2.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, he said: "I\'ve done it a couple of times with him and it was a lot of fun to do it.

Lauren Silverman Outlines Strict Rules for Son Eric to Limit Phone Use with Friends

"I know that when he is doing it this time, I am actually on tour so I am not physically able to do it.

"But I would do it in a heartbeat.

"It\'s such a great time and I have had such a history with the show with Westlife being on it so many times.

Simon Cowell Enforces New Chewing Gum Ban on Britain's Got Talent

"Simon Cowell was obviously heavily involved in it too.

"It\'s just a great crew of people and there is a great buzz around \'The X Factor\' there always is."

Louis - who is joined on the panel with Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne - is backing an Irish duo to win the competition before its even hit screens and Shane says he\'s impressed by them too.

Simon Cowell Forms New Seven-Member Boy Band "December 10"

He said: "Louis told me about the Irish guys, they are really good so we will have to see how they get on.

"It would be nice an Irish act win."

The act is comprised of brothers Sean and Conor Price from Blessington, County Wicklow, who regularly busk on the streets of Dublin, Ireland.