Louis Walsh only went on Celebrity Big Brother for money as he reveals staggering pay out

Louis Walsh has spilled the beans on his huge Celebrity Big Brother payday.

The reality show contestant has let slip just how much he was paid for joining Celebrity Big Brother, saying "they really wanted me" and admitted the pay out was the only thing which convinced him to take part in the show.

The glitzy show made a comeback last month after being away for six years, and Louis was one of the celebs to walk into the house. While chatting on ITV, Louis didn't hold back as he took swipes at other stars like Jedward, who he branded "vile", and Ronan Keating, who he said hasn't had a hit since he stopped managing him.

The 71-year-old, who we all know from The X Factor, came in fourth place. He has now opened up about why he decided to go on the show in a new interview after he initially turned down taking part in the programme.

The on-screen star admitted the money made the music mogul change his mind after being offered close to £1million.

He claimed ITV talked him into doing the show by promising him safety and fun, and added they even thought he might win.

But for Louis, winning wasn't everything. He explained to the Irish Independent: "They said they really, really wanted me. They kept on at me, and still I said 'no', because I was scared. I don't want to be a celebrity. It's a fake world. I have no desire. I like music and staying under the radar."

Then Louis dropped a bombshell about his big payday. He only said yes to the show when ITV waved a big cheque in front of him.

He admitted: "They paid me a lot of money," and then revealed the staggering sum was nearly 1million (£850,000).

Louis wasn't the only one to make a pretty penny. His pal from X Factor, Sharon Osbourne, also stayed in the famous house as CBB's first "celebrity lodger".

She was on the show for nine days and we saw her for just over two hours. Depending on the episode, she popped up for 8 to 24 minutes but is said to have earned £7,000 a minute.

It had been seven years since Louis and Sharon were on TV together, and their catch-up was great fun for viewers as the two friends dished on celebrity secrets and inside stories. Sharon even stood up for Louis when others in the CBB house said he wasn't doing his share of cooking, cleaning, or helping out.

When someone brought this up after she left the house, Sharon replied: "Louis is Louis. That's Louis."