Ananova:

Louis Walsh reportedly pretended a hired penthouse was his because he feared X Factor contestants would trash his real home.

The wannabes visit the judges' houses to practise their singing for the latest stage of the talent show this week.

But Louis was unhappy about bands causing damage at his Dublin residence, claims the Daily Star.

A show insider tells the paper: "Louis was petrified that all his posh furniture would get damaged by having 17 contestants and 40 film crew walking in and out of his house.

"He made it clear it wasn't an option to do the filming in his real house they had to come up with an alternative. Eventually they agreed to hire a different house and make it Louis's 'home' for the purpose of filming.

"The penthouse apartment in Dublin had all his CDs and a signed picture of Dolly Parton. It was a bit of a strange arrangement but Louis was adamant."

Louis told the paper: "It's true I didn't want them in my house because it is all white and it would have got ruined.

"Also I can't compete with Sharon and Simon because I don't have a sprawling mansion."

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