Louis Walsh CONFIRMS return to The X Factor, leaving Simon Cowell shocked

Louis Walsh IS returning to The X Factor – but not as we might have hoped.

The former judge was given the boot from the show last year and was replaced by BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw for the current series.

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Rumours have been rife the Irishman was to return as a neutral fifth judge for the live finals of the show but he was nowhere to be seen when the first one aired last weekend.

However, Louis paid a massive £20,000 at a charity auction to raise money for Nordoff Robbins and the BRIT Trust at the Music Industry Trust Awards on Monday night to come back to the show – but only for one day in rehearsals.

Simon Cowell looked shocked at Louis’ bid but stood up and laughed when he won, according to the Daily Mirror.

While Louis will make a comeback for a dress rehearsal, it’s unclear if he will appear on screen.

The music manager said: “It’s my first time sitting at home in 11 years, it’s great – in my pyjamas, watching X Factor. But [Simon] looks different, his face – is it the lighting, is it the make-up?”

On an official return, he added: “Oh I don’t know, I’m keeping an eye on it. I love [contestants] Louisa [Johnson] and Che [Chesterman]. They’re the two people I love.”

But Louis isn’t impressed with some aspects of the show and offered Simon some advice, saying: “You’ve made too many changes. Listen to the public. He has to listen to the public – he will for next year.”

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