Louis Walsh is to earn less than the other three The X Factor judges for the next series – despite being the longest-serving member of the panel. The Sun reports that Simon Cowell has lured Sharon Osbourne back with an offer of £1.5m plus £300,000 to cover flights and stays at London's Dorchester during filming on the series. Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger will also earns £1.5m. Altogether the judges' paybill has risen from £3.7m last year to £5.8m plus expenses this year. Tulisa Contostavlos will be doubly ruing her exit as a judge, while Cowell will be praying that the £6m can help add some sparkle to the show's flagging ratings.
