Singer Liam Payne launched a blistering attack on X Factor judge Louis Walsh after he criticised a reporter over a question about Payne's girlfriend Cheryl.

When asked about the prospects of Cheryl returning to the X Factor judging panel next year, Walsh, 64, said: "It's not about Cheryl.

"Simon wouldn't invite Cheryl back because we have Nicole [Scherzinger].

"We have Nicole and Sharon [Osbourne]. We don't need another girl. So go and f*** off now. It's not about Cheryl, stupid man."

The Irish judge was taking questions with X Factor group 5 After Midnight, ahead of the show's finale this weekend.

Former One Direction star Payne, 23, who is in a relationship with Cheryl, 33, launched an stinging attack on Twitter.

He wrote: "Congratulations Louis Walsh for setting the worst example on handling media for his band who are about to step into a very hard industry.

"Maybe it's about time you realise it's not all about you and shut the f*** up for once, let them speak."