Louis Walsh Receives Standing Ovation

The X Factor judge Louis Walsh received a standing ovation from audience members as he returned to the show following false accusations of sexual assault.

Leonard Watters, a 24-year-old dancer of no fixed abode, admitted in court to lying about claims that he was indecently assaulted by Walsh in a Dublin nightclub earlier this year.

SEE PICS OF LOUIS FROM THE X FACTOR 2011 HERE!

The Sun reports that Walsh was cheered and applauded he and fellow judge Gary Barlow entered Cardiff's International Arena on Wednesday (29 June), with Louis telling fans:

"Thank you very much. I'm delighted. It is great to be here and get on with the show again."

An audience member told the tabloid: "There was a lot of love for him among the crowd. He was really moved." 

Watters is currently out on bail on the condition that he does not contact Walsh or any member of Westlife.

He was charged under section 12 of the Criminal Law Act, with penalties for the offence ranging from a €500 fine to five years behind bars.

Louis has always strongly protested his innocence, and has now vowed to seek legal action after The Sun newspaper printed Watters' claims.