Louis Walsh has admitted that he respects X Factor star Danyl Johnson as a performer but not as a person.
The Irish judge told The Independent that he does not expect Johnson to win the ITV1 competition because he is not “likeable” enough.
Walsh commented: “He did the best first audition we saw. Brilliant. No matter what you throw at him, he’ll take it on. Vocally, he’s prepared to take risks and he’s not afraid to move around. But I don’t think he’s gonna win – he’ll be second or third.

“I don’t like him as a person, but as a performer he’s great. He’s got this bad vibe – he came in a bit sure of himself. Unlike everybody else, he’s been around the block, singing in karaoke competitions around London and he’s picked up a lot of habits from that.
“He has confidence but it’s all front – I don’t think deep inside he’s that confident. Any other year he could have been a potential winner but this year, he’s got a lot of competition and Joe [McElderry] and Olly [Murs] are more likeable.”
Walsh also predicted that McElderry will triumph in the final, adding: “In the studio he’d record incredibly well. He’s the one to beat. In fact, he’s gonna walk it.”