Nick Grimshaw dismisses X Factor rumours as 'nothing but speculation'

The 30-year-old radio presenter has brushed away rumours about him joining The X Factor as “speculation”.

Nick is one of the bookmakers’ favourites to be a judge for the next series of the ITV singing competition, alongside Simon Cowell.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is also rumoured to return to the judging panel, with Robbie Williams, Tulisa Contostavlos and Mel B amongst the names linked to the final seat.

“They’re nothing but speculation which pretty much everyone’s, who has had anything to do with music, names have been involved,” he said, speaking at the Global Fashion Awards at the Park Lane hotel in London. “So there’s nothing more to that so far.”

Angels singer Robbie is favourite to be a judge with odds of 2/1, according to bookmakers Betfair, with Grimshaw tipped at 6/4.

Louis Walsh, who is stepping down from the show after 11 years, has already given his approval for Grimmy to join the line-up, saying: “That’s not a bad idea at all. He’s young, he’s big on the radio, he knows about pop music, he knows what young people like. I think he’s a good idea, I think he’s a bit different.”

The BBC presenter – who hosts the breakfast show on Radio 1 – said he “loves” the show and would like to be involved.

“I would like to do it. I love the show,” Nick continued.

“But loads of people I’ve read will be really good. Robbie would be great and Simon and Cheryl if they are back.

“I loved Katy Perry too when she was a guest judge and Rita (Ora).”

Asked what kind of judge he would be, he replied: “You’ve got to be yourself.”

Former X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson was at the Fragrance Foundation Awards in London at the same time, and said of Louis’s departure: “I love Louis, I am such a fan of Louis Walsh. I’d like to see him stay, I love watching him, he has got a big smile, he brightens up the television. And he is such a genuine lovely person, backstage he is the same person he is on stage.

“You have got to have Louis so I will be very sad if he’s going.”

Earlier this week, Louis said: “The truth is I’ve done it for 11 years, I never thought I would even be on TV for four or five. To get 10 was great, to get 11 was amazing, I’m not hanging around for them this year.

“I haven’t been sacked, I can honestly tell you that, but I’m not hanging around for them this year because I want to go back to being a manager. I’m basically going back to my roots, which is the reason I got into this business – music. I love music.

“But I wasn’t sacked, I haven’t been hired and I’m not hanging around.”

Nick hosted the Global Fashion Awards, where designers such as Kate Spade, Alexander Wang, Henry Holland and Sophia Webster were nominated for prizes.