[Arneldo]

Simon Cowell has asked Louis Walsh to appear on the planned US version of The X Factor, according to a report.

The music mogul hopes that Walsh will agree to join the judging panel alongside Cheryl Cole when the show goes ahead next year, The Sun claims.

News of Cowell's US plans first hit the headlines yesterday with rumours that he had approached Girls Aloud star Cole for the series.

An insider revealed: "Simon is really keen on bringing The X Factor to America as it has been such a hit in the UK. And he is convinced that the Yanks will love Cheryl and Louis.

"He's made no secret of the fact that he wants to expand his TV interests around the world and this is one of the first big ideas he's got. It's early days but he hopes to get it on air next year."

Walsh has appeared in every series of The X Factor since its British debut in 2004. Meanwhile, Cole joined the show last year as a replacement for Sharon Osbourne, who quit amid rumours of a salary dispute.

DS