Celebrity X Factor’s Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh praise Martin Bashir

Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh have defended Martin Bashir’s place on Celebrity X Factor.

The pair appear on The Jonathan Ross Show this weekend on ITV, fresh from The X Factor: Celebrity live shows last Saturday.

Nicole and Louis discuss the new series, with Louis admitting of working with the celebrities: “It’s easier Jonathan because they know what they’re getting into.

“They’re all accomplished at what they do, but some of them are really good singers.”

The duo went on to back journalist, Martin Bashir, who has twice been controversially saved from elimination.

Nicole said: “It is an honour to have Martin on the show. He is not a bad singer. I love what he represents. He represents that he isn’t taking for granted any opportunities and he is seizing the moment. It’s never too late to go after something that you love.”

Jonathan asked: “Martin Bashir has sort of become the star of the series?”

Louis responded: “Yes, but not for the singing. He is a really nice man, he’s very intelligent, he’s charming and it’s very difficult to be negative about him on the show but it’s a singing show.”

Meanwhile, Nicole spoke about rumours of a Pussycat Dolls reunion performance on the Celebrity X Factor live shows.

She said: “I can’t confirm anything right now but I wouldn’t rule it out. We are talking.”

Jonathan quizzed: “And the fact that you are talking means there’s a good chance of it happening?”

Nicole replied: “Yes. We haven’t talked in many years so we are talking now…”

The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday night November 9th at 10PM on ITV.

Joining the X Factor judges are stars of the World Cup England rugby team, Ben Youngs, Tom Curry, Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marler; actor and star of Poldark, Eleanor Tomlinson and comedian Tom Allen. Plus Mabel performs.

You can watch episodes online and catch up via the ITV Hub.