Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The X Factor: Simon Cowell will 'definitely' return, says Louis Walsh

The judge is '70 per cent' certain that Cowell will return to the panel

Jess Denham
Friday 13 December 2013 11:04 GMT
Comments
Simon Cowell may be back on our screens for the next series of The X Factor
Simon Cowell may be back on our screens for the next series of The X Factor (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Music mogul Simon Cowell will “definitely” be returning to the UK version of The X Factor, judge Louis Walsh has said.

Click here to see what past winners are doing now

“Simon’s coming back, I’m pretty certain of that. Simon, I think, is definitely coming back to X Factor ,” he told Digital Spy.

“He’s having some new faces on the panel. I’d say I’m 70 per cent certain he’ll come back”.

Syco’s leading man was head judge on The X Factor until 2010 before he left to launch the US version state-side.

Walsh, 61, has previously spoken of his planned departure from the show, but has admitted to a change of heart after hearing that Cowell could return.

The former Boyzone and Westlife manager has reportedly been having “the most fun” ever with current judges Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Two of Walsh’s acts, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald, are in this weekend’s final, and will both do battle with Osbourne’s mentee Sam Bailey.

Osbourne, 60, was also expected to leave the programme at the end of this series to “put her feet up” and focus on being a grandmother.

But Walsh does not want her to leave. “She’s the life and soul of the party. We can always convince her, she made a big difference this year,” he said.

For the imminent grand final, the three remaining acts will perform duets with guest stars. Sam will sing with Nicole, Luke will team up with Ellie Goulding and Shane is to perform with Westlife’s Shane Filan.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

“It might not be Beyoncé or Robbie, but we’ve got three amazing singers,” Walsh revealed. “Luke always fancied Ellie. She was in the house and he was like, 'Is that really Ellie Goulding?' He’s kind of shy, he’s only 17.”

Recently, Louis Walsh hit out at last year's X Factor winner, James Arthur, saying he should be "a lot more grateful and a lot more respectful" after the "Recovery" singer apologised live on air for using a homophobic lyric in a rap.

Video: X Factor judges predict winner

By default player size is set to 420 x 315px. But you can resize player width and height once you get the player code using player params.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in