Walsh in US stand-in for ill Cowell

Louis Walsh has been drafted in as a last minute replacement for Simon Cowell on the US version of the 'X Factor'.

The Kiltimagh man, who masterminded the careers of Boyzone and Westlife, took over after Cowell went down with bronchitis.

He was whisked away from Manchester where he was taking part in auditions for the UK show with fellow judges Gary Barlow, Mel B and Tulisa Contostavlos and flown to the United States.

Walsh will sit in at auditions for the next few days with US judges Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and LA Reid.

He has been a regular fixture on the UK show since its launch in 2004.