Louis Walsh vows 'I'm telling the truth' as he opens up on upcoming X Factor documentary: 'Cowell knew it all'

Louis Walsh has revealed he will participate in a forthcoming Sky documentary examining The X Factor, pledging to be completely honest about what occurred during the programme's run.

The 73-year-old music manager disclosed the news during an appearance on Today FM with presenter Ray Foley, confirming filming would commence next week.

"X Factor, there's a big documentary coming up," Mr Walsh stated, describing it as a three-part series exploring "the highs and the lows" of the talent competition.

When asked whether he would be focusing on positive aspects, Mr Walsh was emphatic about his intentions: "I'm just telling the truth."

Sky announced in January that it had commissioned the documentary, which will feature contributions from those involved both on screen and behind the scenes, including Simon Cowell, 66.

Mr Walsh made striking claims about the show's voting system during the radio interview, suggesting that while he and fellow judge Sharon Osbourne remained unaware of results, Mr Cowell had access to this information.

"We didn't know the votes, we didn't know the acts, we didn't know anything, Sharon Osbourne and I, we didn't know," Mr Walsh explained.

When Mr Foley pressed him on whether conspiracy theories about behind-the-scenes manipulation were accurate, Mr Walsh responded: "We didn't know who we were gonna get, what we were gonna do, we didn't know the votes, Cowell knew it all."

The presenter sought clarification: "Even as a judge he knew exactly what was going on? The way the votes were going and all?"

"Of course he knew," Mr Walsh replied, though he added: "And he was great to work with, he was fantastic."

Mr Cowell previously disputed similar allegations, resolving a complaint with Heat magazine in 2010 after the publication claimed he knew weekly voting figures.

The magazine subsequently published an apology stating this was untrue.

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Mr Walsh served as one of the longest-running judge on the programme, appearing from its 2004 launch alongside Cowell and Osbourne.

His tenure was marked by several dramatic exits and returns.

In 2005, he departed mid-series following an incident where Ms Osbourne poured water over him during a live broadcast, only to return days later for contestant Shayne Ward, who ultimately won.

The Irish manager quit again in 2015, returned in 2016, then left permanently in 2018, stating "the show needs a change."

Mr Walsh recently criticised Britain's Got Talent, claiming it no longer commands the same audience attention and suggesting Mr Cowell has lost his instinct.

The X Factor became the subject of significant scrutiny following its 2021 cancellation, with discussions emerging around contestant welfare and duty of care obligations.

ITV and production company Fremantle subsequently updated their processes after various allegations surfaced.

GB News has contacted ITV for a comment about the claims.

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