Louis Walsh Reveals He Suffered a ‘Mini Heart Attack’ During Celebrity Big Brother — And Admits He ‘Shouldn’t Have’ Done The Show

Louis Walsh has opened up about the difficult reality behind his headline-making stint on Celebrity Big Brother, revealing that his doctor believes he suffered a “minor heart attack” while inside the house.

The 74-year-old music manager admitted that appearing on the ITV reality show was a “big mistake”, saying he was already struggling with anxiety and found the experience far more difficult than he had expected.

Speaking on The 2 Johnnies podcast, Louis recalled becoming increasingly distressed after entering the famous house.

“I thought it was going to be fun. It wasn’t fun. I had anxiety problems and I had to get the medics.”

He went on to reveal that his doctor believes he may have suffered a heart attack during the experience.

“My doctor thinks I had a minor heart attack.”

Louis said the isolation of the house made his anxiety particularly difficult to manage, explaining that he struggled to sleep and became desperate to leave.

“I couldn’t sleep at night times and we were all locked in and it was dark and I’d try and get out,” he said.

According to Louis, ITV’s medical team eventually stepped in to help him, even allowing him to leave the house briefly on several occasions.

“They let me out a few times to have a cup of tea. They looked after me very well,” he recalled.

But despite the care he received, Louis now believes the experience was something he should have avoided.

“It was a big mistake. I did it for the money but I shouldn’t have,” he admitted.

Louis Admits The Money Was A Major Factor

Louis has previously been candid about his motivation for entering Celebrity Big Brother, with reports at the time claiming he was offered a fee of almost £850,000.

Looking back, however, he appears to have questioned whether the money was worth the strain.

He also joked about the financial incentives behind reality television while discussing Sharon Osbourne, who was also involved in the series.

“Now I had Sharon Osbourne in there too but she was not in a good place either,” Louis said.

“We did it for the money, we’re like hookers… television hookers.”

His comments offer a strikingly different perspective on what viewers saw on screen, with Louis describing an experience that became increasingly uncomfortable away from the cameras.

‘I Won’t Be Doing’ The X Factor Reboot

Louis has also ruled himself out of a potential X Factor comeback.

The former judge said he does not expect to return if Simon Cowell revives the hugely successful talent show, despite reports that ITV has been exploring a modernised reboot.

“I won’t be doing it as I am probably too old,” Louis said.

“The money is good, they pay well but I don’t think he will ask me.”

Louis did, however, suggest that former judges Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger could make interesting choices for a revived version.

“I don’t know who they would get. Sharon and Nicole Scherzinger would be good,” he said.

His comments come amid renewed speculation about a possible X Factor return, with reports suggesting Cowell could be involved in some capacity as ITV considers bringing back one of its biggest entertainment brands.

From Millions Of Viewers To A Potential Revival

At its height, The X Factor was one of Britain’s biggest television programmes, attracting audiences of up to 19 million viewers and helping launch the careers of stars including Leona Lewis and One Direction.

The original series ran for 15 seasons before ITV eventually shelved it, followed by spin-offs including X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band.

Louis, who became one of the show’s most recognisable judges alongside Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and other panel members, remains closely associated with its most memorable years.

But after his experience on Celebrity Big Brother, he appears to have little appetite for another high-pressure television comeback.

Reflecting on his time in the house, Louis was unusually blunt about the decision that brought him there.

He went in expecting entertainment. Instead, he says, the experience left him battling anxiety, relying on medics and questioning whether the substantial payday had been worth it.

And now, with a potential X Factor revival once again being discussed, Louis appears to have made his position clear: he has no plans to go back.