Louis Walsh will make his return as a judge on the new series of X Factor, joining the previously-confirmed Gary Barlow for the ninth series of the popular singing show.
The Irish judge and music manager, who has masterminded the careers of boy bands including Westlife and Boyzone, has been on The X Factor panel from the very start.
And Louis is over the moon to be returning for another year. He 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.”
X Factor boss Simon Cowell also said he’s pleased to see show stalwart Louis return for another series, adding: “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.”
It was confirmed that Gary Barlow will return as a judge on the 2012 series of X Factor last month, but no other names have been announced as yet.
Rumours continue to circulate that Dannii Minogue might be set for a big comeback, after quitting X Factor in 2011, and singers Lily Allen and Katy Perry have also been tipped to join the programme, but that is purely speculation at this stage.
The remaining judges will however be confirmed soon, with the Judges Auditions Tour kicking off later in the spring. X Factor 2012 is set to return to our TV screens in late summer.
This year X Factor is casting the net further in the search for great new artists, as the Mobile Auditions van heads out on the road, allowing people who couldn’t make arena auditions the chance to try out. Budding singers can still apply via Facebook too, until May 8.
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