Simon Cowell is already attempting to persuade Louis Walsh to return as a judge on next year’s X Factor.
The TV boss is hoping to make the Mayo man, who has been his friend for decades, to do a U-turn on plans to quit.
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But insiders have revealed that Simon is already beginning to consider who will be on the panel for next year’s show – and wants Louis to be part of it.
He is understood to be warm on Mel B returning as well, but thinks that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s time may be up.
A source told Goss.ie: “With a show like the X Factor, you have to plan well in advance – so of course Simon is already looking at how things are going.
“And he feels that Louis – in terms of how he’s performing on a Saturday night – is the best judge he has on the panel at the moment.
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“Already he has started talking to Louis about how much he wants him back next year, but the problem is that Louis is very strong willed.”
Beloved Louis is currently the only original judge who has been with the show from the start.
Previously he did say that he would be leaving the series, but was tempted back this year after Cowell personally persuaded him.
Mogul Cowell has said that the X Factor wouldn’t be right without Louis on it.
It has been reported over the weekend that Mel B has already been offered a new contract as well as a pay rise to stay on.
