Louise Walsh to retun to X-Factor

Louis Walsh has confirmed he will return to The X Factor for his ninth series as a judge.

Simon Cowell’s pal, who has appeared on the ITV1 show since 2004, said he’s “so happy” to be back and is ecstatic to be the longest-standing judge on the programme.

He said: “I am so happy to have signed up for another year. It’s my ninth year, I’m the only person to be in it for nine years.

“I signed the deal yesterday – making it my ninth year on the show. I never wanted to be on TV, it was never in my plan. But now I’m on it, I love the show.”

Louis, who has mentored the likes of Jedward and Kitty Brucknell during his time as a judge, also revealed that Tulisa and Gary Barlow will “definitely” rejoin him on the panel, but he isn’t sure about Kelly Rowland.

He added: “I know two of the judges who are going to be beside me, but I still don’t know who the fourth is going to be just yet.

“I know for definite that Tulisa is back, and Gary is back. I’m not sure if Kelly is back, but I hope she is, because she worked really hard last year.”

Meanwhile, Sinitta – who has helped Simon at Judges’ Houses in previous years – recently revealed that Simon will return to the panel this year.

She said: “Simon plans to be back, along with last year’s judges, Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Louis Walsh.

“But he won’t be able to return full time because he’s so busy. He likes winning, so he’s set on beating Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings.”