Louis and Ronan discuss hopefuls in Milan

Louis Walsh is to pick his final three ‘X Factor’ acts in Milan today.

The judge has asked Boyzone star Ronan Keating to help him narrow down the hopefuls in his Groups category, and is determined to find a band which will triumph.

A source said: “Louis is great with the bands and he’s determined to find one this year that can win the show and become superstars around the world.”

Louis and Ronan are set to put the acts through their paces during their final try-out in Italy, and are adamant only the three who are strong enough to withstand the rigours of the show will get through.

Louis is keen to beat his fellow judges – Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue – and take home the ‘X Factor’ crown this year as she has only won the show once, with Shayne Ward in 2005.

Louis’ group JLS narrowly missed out on winning last year, finishing runners-up to Cheryl’s protege Amanda Burke.

Cheryl is this year mentoring the 16 to 25-year-old Boys category this year, and has already chosen her final three competitors.

The Girls Aloud singer travelled to Morocco to narrow them down from six, with help from Will Young – who won 2002 TV talent show ‘Pop Idol’.

Dannii Minogue has also picked, taking her pop legend sister Kylie to Dubai with her to choose who would progress in the 16 to 25-year-old Girls category.

Simon Cowell is yet to choose who will make it through in the over 25s category, but will make a decision in Los Angeles in the coming days.