Liam Payne has slammed Louis Walsh for "setting the worst example" to 5 After Midnight.

Liam Payne

Liam Payne

The former One Direction singer hit out at the 'X Factor' judge after he told a reporter to "f**k off" when asked about the possibility of Liam's girlfriend Cheryl returning to the show's judging panel in the future.

Liam - who is expecting his first child with the 'Call My Name' singer - tweeted: "Congratulations Louis Walsh for setting the worst example on handling media for his band who are about to step into a very hard industry.

"Maybe it's about time you realise it's not all about you and shut the f**k up for once, let them speak (sic)".

The 64-year-old music manager had dismissed "silly questions" about possible changes to the judging panel during a photocall for this weekend's 'X Factor' final.

Asked what he'd do if Cheryl came back, Louis fumed: "Well Simon wouldn't invite Cheryl back because we have Nicole [Scherzinger].

"We have Nicole and Sharon [Osbourne], we don't need another girl. So go and f**k off now! No silly questions, seriously.

"It's not about Cheryl. Don't be stupid, man."

Despite Liam's criticism, 5 After Midnight didn't seem to disturbed by the incident as they could be seen laughing by his side during his tirade.

The outspoken Irishman was also dismissive when asked about the remaining members of the Spice Girls - Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, and Mel B - pulling out of a duet with 5AM at the last minute.

He simply said: "It's not about The Spice Girls, it's about 5 After Midnight... so stop talking about them."

Louis has previously slammed Liam and his One Direction bandmates for believing "the hype around them".

He said of the group, which were put together on 'The X Factor' in 2010: "We create monsters in the music business - they only become famous because they've been on the show and we got you those songs.

"They're lucky f**kers, but some get a sense of entitlement and believe the hype. Too many artists appear to forget where they came from."

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