Louis Walsh could make a dramatic return to 'The X Factor', despite recently saying he's walking away from the show.
Louis Walsh could still feature on the 'X Factor' judging panel.
The 62-year-old entertainment manager recently appeared to have walked away from the show forever, saying he was "done" with 'The X Factor', but he's reportedly agreed to be on standby for the next series and will return to the programme if a better alternative cannot be found soon.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "In public Louis seems to have quit, but behind the scenes he's been asked if he'd go back to the show if needed.
"The deadline for signing a replacement is getting closer and unless someone perfect is available Louis will be back on the panel.
"He's a safe pair of hands and has told Simon he will happily come back."
By contrast, Louis recently hinted he wouldn't return to the show and that the judging panel was set to be overhauled.
He said: "I've done 11 seasons and that's a long time in television - I don't think I'll be going back."
Later, he added: "I think they are going to change the show. I think they are going to get new faces.
"I know Dermot [O'Leary] is gone - and I don't know who else will be back.
"Simon will probably be back because it's his show. Cheryl [Fernandez-Versini] ... I'm not sure. I don't know who else will be back."
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