So we’ve definitely got Gary Barlow. We’ve definitely not got Kelly Rowland and we might have Tulisa Contostavlos: “It looks likely. I know nothing.”
And now it’s been confirmed that Louis Walsh will be returning for a record-breaking ninth year on the X Factor judging panel.
“I’m back! It’s my ninth year on the show and as the only remaining original judge I’m delighted to take my seat once more on the judging panel,” Louis said.
Simon Cowell added: “The show wouldn’t be the same without Louis, I am really happy he is coming back.
“I hope he has an opportunity this year to show what an astute manager he is.”
Head judge
However, fellow judge and the man with the ‘head judge’ mug, Gary Barlow made it quite clear to Louis that he was the X Factor top-dog.
“I hear there's a lovely lad from Ireland joining me on #XFactor,” Gary joked on Twitter.
“Congrats Louis! One of these years you'll be head judge :)”
Following the news of Louis' return, Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television, said: “Louis is, quite simply, an X Factor institution. It's great to have him back for this year’s run.”
We agree – The X Factor without Louis would be like Ant without Dec.