[michael21]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...on-Cowell.html

Judge Louis, 59, was forced into a humiliating apology live on air last night after branding 19-year-old wannabe Misha Bryan a bully.

Bosses also blame Cowell's switch to US X Factor for a fall in viewing figures. A massive 2.5 million fans have turned off X Factor during the current series — and ITV executives have begged Simon, 52, to return.

Last night Simon said cryptically: "I'm flattered that people are missing me — but I don't want anyone to miss the show."

Insiders suggested Simon could replace Louis next year, when the show will be in its ninth year.

A well-placed source said: "It doesn't take a genius to work out that Simon not being on has hit the ratings.


Louis talks ... Simon Cowell
"ITV are happy with the panel. They think they're great. But they realise when it comes to X Factor judges, there isn't anyone like Simon. He IS X Factor.

"Simon has a lot on his plate in America with the US X Factor but he has not ruled out a return.

"The likelihood is that Louis will be gone next year — and Simon could make a welcome return."

In the event that Louis goes but Cowell cannot return, the search will be on be on for a "Simon Mk2" to appear alongside Gary Barlow.

Louis was dumped briefly in 2007 and replaced by choreographer Brian Friedman — before Cowell rehired him.

ITV said: "The show remains the most popular entertainment programme and this is the second most popular series in its eight-year history."