Is Louis Walsh swapping X Factor for Strictly?

X Factor judge Louis Walsh in Glasgow. (Rex Features)

X Factor judge Louis Walsh is reportedly planning to take part in rival talent show Strictly Come Dancing after leaving the ITV singing contest.

Walsh, who has been a judge on the show for a decade, said that he was going to be a contestant on the BBC's Strictly - which is in direct audience competition with the X Factor -, according to a report in the Daily Star.

The 61-year-old confirmed earlier this month that he was leaving the X Factor after the next series.

Abbey Clancy and Sophie Ellis-Bexter are also believed to be part of the line-up for the next series of ballroom dancing contest, Strictly.

Walsh might not be received with open arms as it has been reported that he and Strictly presenter Bruce Forsyth have exchanged sneers in the past.

He said last week that he is looking forward to returning to his day job as a full-time music manager after leaving X Factor.

He told TV Times magazine: “I’m happy this is going to be my last year. I’ve been judging X Factor for 10 years so I’ve done it all.”

He added: “It was never in my plan to be on TV but Simon [Cowell] put me there. I’m very grateful to him but I need my life back!”

In his ten year stint as a judge, Walsh had one winning act with Shayne Ward from series two.

The former Westlife and Boyzone manager revealed he hopes to start a new boy band and will focus on managing Shane Filan from Westlife.