12 March 2024 , 19:45
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Louis Walsh loves to share his opinions, but how much do we know about Louis?
The former X Factor judge is up for eviction in tonight's Celebrity Big Brother, where viewers have enjoyed watching the 71 year old reunite with his fellow X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne for some entertaining gossip.
While fans are clued up on Louis' thoughts on various Hollywood celebs, they may not know all that much about his fascinating life away from the glittering world of showbiz, including the very different name he was given at birth, and his intense feud with one famous boyband member.
As Louis faces eviction, alongside fellow housemates Fern Britton and Lauren Simon, we take a look at his life away from the cameras...
The music manager became successful in Ireland before heading to the UK (Getty Images)
Louis made millions through his pop plans (Getty Images)Making millions
The star was born Michael Vincent Walsh in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo in 1952, the second of eight siblings to parents Maureen and Frank Walsh. Opting to go by Louis, he moved to Dublin in the early 1990s to become a music manager.
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The 71-year-old was initially an agent for rock bands, making little money but then he went to see Take That perform and had a brainwave to create an Irish version of the boyband. "I thought, I'd like to do that," said Louis. "I had to make money."
Placing an advert in a newspaper the star created Boyzone, who became a huge success with six number one singles and four number one albums. When Ronan Keating went solo, Louis continued to manage him before turning to boyband Westlife.
And a hint of the music man's notoriously outspoken attitude came out after he parted ways with the Life Is A Rollercoaster singer. "He wasn't the most talented one," slammed Louis. "He's not a great singer and he's got no personality."
Louis's new Irish boyband would make Boyzone look moderately successful - Westlife took the world by storm, selling more than 55 million records worldwide with 14 number one singles in the UK. "I wouldn't have known where you make the big money," said Louis, saying he had used the experience he gained with Boyzone to propel Westlife to success. "The touring and merchandise are the big earners, not the albums."
Louis managed pop juggernaut Westlife to huge success (Maxwell/REX/Shutterstock)Louis was first a judge on the Irish version of Popstars before he joined the UK's Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. The hit show saw him create Girls Aloud and made him a household name. Although Louis' girl group didn't win the show they became hugely successful, with their debut single selling more than 700,000 copies and making stars out of Cheryl Cole and her bandmates.
With his music management career thriving Louis became a judge on The X Factor, alongside his pal Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, who would also become a close friend. The star spent 11 series on the show, which attracted viewing figures topping 19 million at its height and made huge stars out of contestants including One Direction and Little Mix.
After he left the show Louis worked as a judge on Ireland's Got Talent for two years and returned to newly created format The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019, mentoring winner Megan McKenna. He is currently aiming for success with boyband Next In Line.
Personal life
Louis has an estimated net worth of £116 million and lives back in Ireland, saying last year: "I’m living in Dublin all the time now and I love it." "I feel maybe 40 and I’m enthusiastic about life," added the down-to-earth star. "I like being busy."
In 2012, Louis jokingly walked down the aisle with the late Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack during a spoof segment on the show. The pair 'got married' at the infamous Little White Chapel in Las Vegas by an Elvis Presley impersonator. Louis and Caroline exchanged vows at the chapel before sealing their romance with a kiss. Following her tragic death in February 2020, the music manager paid a touching tribute to his former colleague. He said: "I really liked her, she was great fun and just a pleasure to be around. She spoke her mind and was always up for a laugh."
When it comes to his real-life romances, Louis has vowed to remain tight-lipped, saying of his sexuality back in 2013: "I think your private life is your private life. I’m happy. Happy as Larry!"
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