Louis Walsh has got the X Factor

Louis Walsh has got the X Factor

The boyband manager said: "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.”

Take That star Gary Barlow, who has already been confirmed as the first judge to return to this year's show, was quick to congratulate the star, writing on Twitter: "I hear there's a lovely lad from Ireland joining me on #XFactor.Congrats Louis! One of these years you'll be head judge :)."

Louis masterminded the careers of pop groups Boyzone and Westlife and has been on the judging panel for every series of The X Factor since its launch in 2004.

Show boss Simon Cowell said: "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.”

Kelly Rowland has confirmed that she will NOT be rejoining the ITV1 singing competition — due to increasing demands from show bosses.

But Tulisa Contostavlos has revealed she will “most likely” be back on the X Factor judging panel this year â€" and backed Dannii Minogue, 40, to get the coveted fourth slot.

The singer, 23, would not confirm her return to the ITV1 show earlier this week, but smiled and giggled as she claimed “I know nothing".

She also told breakfast show Daybreak she would be glad to sit alongside Dannii if rumours of the Aussie star’s comeback are true.

She said: “I used to watch X Factor before I got on the panel, so I always thought Dannii was great and I enjoyed watching her, so I’m sure we would get along really well.”