Louis lands the groups

Louis Walsh is to mentor the groups in the new series of ‘The X Factor’.

The Mayo-born music manager has been handed the category for the fourth time in six series, and was apparently amazed by the decision.

A source said: “Louis was stunned to get the groups again.”

Walsh, 57, was given the groups after his success with the category last year.

Although band JLS did not triumph on the show they built up a loyal following and recently scored a number one in the UK singles chart with ‘Beat Again’.

Cheryl Cole, whose singer Alexandra Burke won last year’s show, will look after the girls aged 16 to 25.

Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue have swapped roles, with Cowell being handed the over 25s and Minogue getting the boys aged 16 to 25.

Minogue won the show with the same category in 2007, after Leon Jackson swept to victory.