X Factor judge Louis Walsh believes contestants such as Scott James, who has Asperger's syndrome, may not be able to cope - but says it must be their choice whether to take part.

James, 21, who will appear on TV screens in the new series of X Factor, told judges he did not leave home for seven years because of his condition.

In an interview with the Radio Times, Walsh was asked if someone like James can take the strain of appearing on the ITV1 show.

Gruelling performances: Louis Walsh is uncertain whether contestants like Scott James can take the pressure

He said: "I don't think they can, if I'm honest. People don't realise the pressure that these acts are under, especially when they're competing with everybody else backstage.

"It's a very difficult show to do, even as a judge. It's very gruelling, and it's 10 weeks of very intense performance. Everything you say and do is being watched.

"It's like Big Brother meets Jerry Springer."

Asked if it was fair on James, from Stockton-on-Tees, to allow him to appear, Walsh told the magazine: "Nobody forces anybody to go to an audition.

"I think it's a real-life story. Is he under too much pressure? I think it has to be his choice."

Asked if James knew what he was letting himself in for, Walsh said: "Initially, no," adding: "I think it's a massive reality check for some people."

Despite not appearing on TV yet, James has already been tipped as a singing sensation to rival Susan Boyle.

Walsh's comments follow Boyle's much-publicised breakdown after coming second on Britain's Got Talent, which fuelled debate about whether people seen as vulnerable for whatever reason should take part in reality shows.

Since her recovery, Boyle has gone from strength to strength, and was transformed into a glamourpuss for the American issue of Harper's Bazaar.

James wowed judges with a rendition of You Raise Me Up, and is said to have made it through to the "boot camp" stage, which involves just 50 contestants.