Louis Walsh ‘RETURNS’ to The X Factor to save ‘flagging’ ratings

YAY!


by Laurence Mozafari |
Published on

Louis Walsh is thought to be returning to The X Factor, after he unceremoniously got the boot to make way for Nick Grimshaw, after Simon Cowell wanted to shake up the show's format.

The music manager - who launched the careers of Westlife and Boyzone - spent ten years on the show between 2004 and 2014. He had a brief break back in 2007, after Simon temporarily axed him for Brian Friedman, then continued until he was kicked out earlier this year.

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    It's thought Louis will work as fifth judge sitting separately from the rest of the judges. His return is thought to be a tactic to boost ratings, as they're currently down by a million viewers compared to 2014.

    A source told *The Sun*: “He will be a neutral fifth judge who will sit in a special place away from the other judges to provide his own unbiased comments on the contestants.

    “It’s a massive coup for Louis who is also going to sign a deal with Simon to help launch Ireland’s Got Talent as a judge.

    “We know Nick will come into his own on the live shows because of his experience as a DJ, but we think Louis will be a great addition.”

    It seems like there's even more changes in store, as the show is set to shake up the live shows too. The source explained: "Some of the bosses also like the idea of scoring singers, it was something that was almost brought in during the 2014 series for the live show.

    x-factor-2015-judges-london-audition

    "They would not use paddles, otherwise they would be accused of copying Strictly, but scores would show how people improve each week and would be another thing viewers would comment and discuss."

    However, a spokesperson for The X Factor told The Mirror: “The live shows do not start until the end of next month and any talk of plans at this stage is speculation."

    Either way we LOVE the idea of Louis coming back. It's one million per-cent yes from us.

    Gallery

    X Factor London auditions outfits

    Rochelle Humes1 of 8

    Rochelle Humes

    Mrs Humes looked amazing in her crisp white Iris + Ink playsuit teamed with leg-lengthening heels and a chic pony

    Rochelle Humes2 of 8

    Rochelle Humes

    Looking like she's stepped straight out of a '90s girl band in her cool American Apparel dungarees

    Cheryl Fernandez-Versini3 of 8

    Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

    Chezza's loving her retro '60s vibes during the auditions so far, and her cute Miu Miu shift and matching pink heels look gorge on her

    Cheryl Fernandez-Versini4 of 8

    Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

    Cheryl's Adam Lippes tuxedo dress may cost over £1k, but that's nothing compared to a lifetime of dry cleaning bills. Just beware of Nando's, eh Chez?

    Rita Ora5 of 8

    Rita Ora

    B*Witched would be soooo jealous of these denim co-ords. Rita continues to show off her risky fash sense on the red carpet

    Rita Ora6 of 8

    Rita Ora

    Poor Rita must've accidentally got stuck in a door or been attacked by a pack of dogs on the way to the auditions. We can think of no other possible explanation for that missing sleeve

    Caroline Flack7 of 8

    Caroline Flack

    Working Beatnik chic in a cute striped top and leather mini

    Caroline Flack8 of 8

    Caroline Flack

    Caz doesn't half love a boyish short and shirt combo. She picked up these snakey platforms for just £52 from Toppers!

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