Louis Walsh is ready for battle!

louis walsh interview'I'd love it if I beat Simon again, just to see his face' - the gloves are off, the race is on - Louis spills the beans on how he really feels about co-judges Sharon and Mr Cowell

Are you excited about this year's series?
Louis Walsh: I'm very excited about the third series. We love it! Let battle commence between me, Simon and Sharon.

What are you looking for this year?
Louis Walsh: A star of course!

How is the talent looking this year?
Louis Walsh: There's some really good talent in each of the categories but the 16-24s is looking the strongest. We've also had some great groups through, one girl band particularly stood out and there's some really great, more unusual talent this year, rather than mainstream, which could be really interesting.

How do you get through the long audition process?
Louis Walsh: We enjoyed ourselves! There's always something different every day. You never know who is going to walk into the room and we do see some sights, on occasions we do find it hard to keep a straight face! But at the end of the day we were looking for talent and I think we have found that talent, now it is up to the public.

What is the dynamic between the three of you like in the judging room?
Louis Walsh: Simon hasn't changed, he is still taking the mickey out of me. But Sharon and I get on like a house on fire. We like to wind Simon up and we are definitely the soft touches when it comes to putting people through. I'm a sucker for a sob story.

After being the winning mentor last year are you feeling more confident this time around?
Louis Walsh: No, it was Shayne who won last year, not me. Who knows what's going to happen. We'll do our best with whatever category we get given. But if I am honest, I'd love it if I beat Simon again, just to see his face!

Do you enjoy the audition process?
Louis Walsh: I really look forward to the auditions - it's great fun and makes a nice change from my normal day job and you know that you are guaranteed a laugh.

Do you still get excited about discovering new talent?
Louis Walsh: I always get excited about discovering new talent that's why I get out of bed in the mornings. It is something I love about the music business.

Any amusing moments in the judging room?
Louis Walsh: Simon and Sharon keep trying to fix me up with the older ladies who audition, and I am talking the older end of the older ladies! To start with it was quite funny, but it just got embarrassing after a while.

Last year you famously walked off the show after Sharon threw water over you, will you walk out again this year?
Louis Walsh:

No, I don't think so. Unless I have cause like last year, then no. But there has already been some water throwing this year, not over me this time I am pleased to say but you will have to tune in to see if I get my revenge!