Louis Walsh says he misses Simon Cowell, and claims the former judge is still very much in charge of the show, and even has tapes flown out to him.

Simon quit his judging role on The X Fator UK to launch his hit talent contest in America, but his influence is still felt according to Louis.

The Daily Star quotes the Irish judge as saying: “He gets it all sent out to him.

“He had already seen last night’s episode before I did. He likes to change the shots and check the editing. He’s a perfectionist. He calls the producers to check things and make changes. He’s very involved. He’s the executive producer and it is still his show.”

Louis also claimed that the new judges to join him on the panel this year are too serious, and underestimate the value of the more bizarre acts to the show.

“The panel is less fun and more business now. They’re all so keen and it’s lost the fun since Simon left,” he revealed. “We don’t need Simon but I do miss him.”

Simon last week claimed that the new series was “better” without him, and Louis is hoping that the established UK series can be more successful than the first US run.

“I want the UK show to kill the US show,” hes said. “I know we’re up against it but we really had a great start. Simon wants the American show to do better because he’s on it. If he’s on the show he cares more.”

Do you think it’s important for Simon to have a say in the show’s running for it to be a success in his absence?

Keep it central!