I got Dermot O'Leary X Factor job says sacked Louis

The 52-year-old pop manager-turned television personality exclusively confessed to the Eye that he suggested his fellow Irishman to replace his good pal Kate Thornton after Simon Cowell sacked her from the coveted job.

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Good Irish lad: New X Factor host Dermot O'Leary

"Dermot is a great guy, I am delighted for him," said Louis.

"I put him forward to Simon because I think he is great at his job, he has everything - plus, he is Irish.

"He has the looks, the humour and is a very warm and genuine person. In my view he is the best male presenter in the country."

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Old times: Louis with former presenter Kate Thornton

However, he still maintains that former host Kate Thornton was the best for job - and he is devastated for her that she got the boot.

"She is great at the job so it's such a shame that they let her go but she will be back because she is talented. She has already had a few offers, but nothing that has taken her fancy too much."

Louis, who manages a number of top pop bands including Westlife and Girls Aloud, was a judge on the show for the past two series.

However, last month, The X Factor boss Simon Cowell sensationally sacked him and presenter Kate, 34.

According to the show's officials, they are yet to find replacement judges - despite reports that Eighties "poppette" Sinitta is due to take over.

Instead, we can reveal that 47-year-old Cowell is on the hunt for two judges - one male and the other female.

But rather than be bitter about being let go of, Louis is delighted that he now has time to move onto other projects.

"I don't want to do telly anymore. I am first and foremost a music manager, so that's what I want to concentrate on. I've had a couple of t e lev i s ion offers but I'm not interested."