Louis Walsh used to ring Simon Cowell every weekend at 2am "screaming" down the phone about 'The X Factor'.
Louis Walsh
The 64-year-old music manager was dramatically let go from the show's panel last year and replaced with radio DJ Nick Grimshaw but he couldn't just take the dropping in his stride and would screech at the show's boss after every episode.
Simon explained: "What was so funny was that he used to phone me every week, I'd get an hour where he would scream down the phone and I'd be like, 'Well, stop watching. I can't help it, it's not my fault if you don't like it anymore'.
"But honest to god, it was a weekly call. It would start about two in the morning and I'd be like, 'Oh god, it's Louis again'. I'd put it on speaker, lie down and listen."
However, the 56-year-old businessman can now see why his friend was so uptight about the new format.
He said: "He was passionate, he missed the old show and I liked seeing that side of Louis, sometimes he can get a little bit passive, but this was the Louis I have always known as a manager, he's got a big mouth, he's outspoken and critical, but that's what I love about him."
And Simon is thrilled Louis - who sat on the panel for 11 years prior to exit - has agreed to return to the show this year alongside himself, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne.
He said: "God they [the new judges] keep me on my toes. I think some of the time they are putting people through just to wind me up. I've kind of got to the point where it doesn't bother me, I'm used to it."
'The X Factor' returns to television screens on August 27 and 28, 2016, at 8pm on ITV.
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