Reality television show 'The X Factor' is to replace judge Louis Walsh and presenter Kate Thornton for the next series.
It was announced yesterday that the show would use a new format, which will include a panel of four judges and a new presenter.
Walsh will continue to act as a manager to the performers off air but will no longer feature as a judge on the show.
He said: "After three incredible years, I have decided to leave 'The X Factor' to completely focus my energy on my day job as an artist manager."
"I will be having the busiest year of my career with Westlife, Shayne Ward and the relaunch of Boyzone."
"I am also looking forward to continuing my work with Simon and 'The X Factor' team managing the stars from this year's series," Walsh said.
Walsh will be Ryan Tubridy's guest on 'Tubridy Tonight' on Saturday night at 9.35pm.
Former presenter Thornton said: "Presenting 'The X Factor' these last three years has been fantastic and I truly believe I have taken the show as far as I can."
"I wish the new host every success; it will be an experience they will never forget. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into some new programmes with ITV," she said.
ITV director of comedy and entertainment Paul Jackson said: "To keep the show in its number one spot we are always looking at ways of making the format as fresh and exciting as ever and having an extra judge and additional category will give the show a whole new dimension."
Producers have decided to lower the age limit for the show to 14 years of age, with the 14-25-year-old category split into male and female groups.
A spokesperson for the show said that no new hosts or judges had been lined up yet.
