Louis Walsh suggests X Factor judges

Louis Walsh wants Solange Knowles to replace Nicole Scherzinger on \'The X Factor\'.

The 65-year-old music manager doesn\'t expect the \'Poison\' hitmaker to be on the judging panel when the programme returns later this year, but there\'s a long list of "fun" female pop stars he\'d like to see in her place.

He said: "I honestly don\'t know [who will fill Nicole\'s shoes]. Mel B maybe or Rita Ora? I like Beyonce\'s sister Solange. I have no idea.

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"It could be anybody from Little Mix. It could be anybody from the Spice Girls - except Posh. She does not talk. I want somebody who is fun."

There has been a lot of speculation about Louis\' own future on the show, and though he admitted he hasn\'t received any communication confirming his place on the panel is safe, he doesn\'t think he\'s going anywhere because he has a secure contract.

Speaking on Ireland\'s \'The Ray D\'Arcy Show\', he said: "I have a three year contract and I\'ve done two so I must be back... I should be back, I have a contract."

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Asked by the host if he\'s had "the call", he laughed: "I\'ve got a contract. I think Sharon Osbourne has too. I do think Nicole has gone."

And Louis admitted he\'s disappointed that show boss and head judge Simon Cowell hasn\'t decided to keep Nicole on the panel.

He said: "I loved her, she was amazing. She could sing and dance and she looked different every single week - she looks different every time I see her."

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Simon, Sharon, Nicole and Louis have been the show\'s judges for the past two series, which saw Rak-Su and Matt Terry triumph.

Sharon, Nicole and Louis replaced series 12 panellists Cheryl, Rita and Nick Grimshaw, and Simon re-joined the show the year before for the 11th season.