08 March 2024 , 19:55
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He's the outspoken music manager turned X Factor judge who is making a return to our screens on ITV's Celebrity Big Brother but how much do we really know about Louis Walsh? We take a look back at the contestant's career history and delve into his life away from the spotlight...
Life in Ireland
The star was born Michael Vincent Walsh in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo in 1952, the second of eight siblings to parents Maureen and Frank Walsh. Opting to go by Louis, he moved to Dublin in the early 1990s to become a music manager.
The 71-year-old was initially an agent for rock bands, making little money but then he went to see Take That perform and had a brainwave to create an Irish version of the boyband. "I thought, I'd like to do that," said Louis. "I had to make money."
The music manager became successful in Ireland before heading to the UK (Getty Images)
He is now worth an estimated £116 million (Getty Images)Placing an advert in a newspaper the star created Boyzone, who became a huge success with six number one singles and four number one albums. When Ronan Keating went solo, Louis continued to manage him before turning to boyband Westlife.
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And a hint of the music man's notoriously outspoken attitude came out after he parted ways with the Life Is A Rollercoaster singer. "He wasn't the most talented one," slammed Louis. "He's not a great singer and he's got no personality."
Louis's new Irish boyband would make Boyzone look moderately successful - Westlife took the world by storm, selling more than 55 million records worldwide with 14 number one singles in the UK. "I wouldn't have known where you make the big money," said Louis, saying he had used the experience he gained with Boyzone to propel Westlife to success. "The touring and merchandise are the big earners, not the albums."
The star is close pals with Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell (Getty Images)Becoming a star
Louis was first a judge on the Irish version of Popstars before he joined the UK's Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. The hit show saw him create Girls Aloud and made him a household name. Although Louis's girl group didn't win the show they became hugely successful, with their debut single selling more than 700,000 copies and making stars out of Cheryl Cole and her bandmates.
With his music management career thriving Louis became a judge on The X Factor, alongside his pal Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, who would also become a close friend. The star spent 11 series on the show, which attracted viewing figures topping 19 million at its height and made huge stars out of contestants including One Direction and Little Mix.
After he left the show Louis worked as a judge on Ireland's Got Talent for two years and returned to newly created format The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019, mentoring winner Megan McKenna. He is currently aiming for success with boyband Next In Line.
Louis managed pop juggernaut Westlife to huge success (Maxwell/REX/Shutterstock)Personal life
Louis has an estimated net worth of £116 million and lives back in Ireland, saying last year: "I’m living in Dublin all the time now and I love it." "I feel maybe 40 and I’m enthusiastic about life," added the down-to-earth star. "I like being busy."
The mogul remains close to showbiz pals including Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, who is making a guest appearance on Celebrity Big Brother alongside him. He keeps his love life firmly private, saying of his sexuality back in 2013: "I think your private life is your private life. I’m happy. Happy as Larry!"