Liam Payne criticises Louis Walsh on Twitter over Cheryl comments

Liam Payne has lashed out at Louis Walsh after the X Factor judge told a reporter to “f*** off” when he asked whether a return for Cheryl could be on the cards.

Walsh attended a media event ahead of this weekend’s X Factor final with the contestants he is on mentoring on the show the boyband 5 After Midnight. During a conversation with a reporter the 64-year-old immediately objected to the question about whether Cheryl would return to the show.

“Simon wouldn’t invite Cheryl back because we have Nicole,” he said. “We have Nicole and Sharon, we don’t need another girl.

“So go and f*** off now! No silly questions, seriously,” he said laughing.

After seeing the interview, Payne – who is in a relationship with Cheryl – criticised his handling of the question and accused him of setting a bad example to the band he is mentoring.

“Congratulations Louis Walsh for setting the worst example on handling media for his band who are about to step into a very hard industry,” he wrote on Twitter.

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

Payne was discovered on the X Factor, when Cheryl, Cowell and Walsh were all judges on the show. He and fellow contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik were formed into One Direction and became one of the most successful pop groups in history.

A representative for Walsh declined to comment.