Louis Walsh's X Factor fears

Louis Walsh fears 'The X Factor' will "crumble to pieces".

The 58-year-old judge is reportedly livid with Simon Cowell because the music mogul hasn't told his fellow UK panelists whether this year's show will go ahead because of his commitment to the US version of the programme, which is due to launch later his year.

Louis told a friend: "He's driving me insane! The show is going to crumble to pieces. I am meant to have a two-year contract but the way things are going I could be gone, too. None of us have a clue if we're going to be back for the new series or if the new series will even go ahead. We're in total limbo."

The Irish star and fellow judge Dannii Minogue are said to be particularly unhappy that while they are being kept in the dark, Simon has been confiding in Cheryl Cole - who has repeatedly been linked to a role on the US 'X Factor' - with his future plans for both shows.

A source said: "Louis is really uptight about the whole thing. So is Dannii. Neither of them are happy with what's happening.

"They feel Simon is obsessed with the American project now and he has no passion for what's going on in the UK. It's like there's a big axe hanging over all their heads. Louis thinks the show could be ruined here."

"As if that wasn't bad enough, Simon is only communicating with Cheryl over the whole thing. She's the only one who seems to know what's going on and that's driving Louis and Dannii mad."