[Arneldo]

TELLY favourite Louis Walsh was ready to rejoin his chums last night — after being re-hired for The X Factor.

The Irish music mogul was axed from the hit telly talent show in March, sparking outrage among fans.

But X Factor judge Simon Cowell, who owns the rights to the programme, brought him back after spending a day with him at Ascot races.

A source said: “It wasn’t until Simon returned from filming American Idol that he realised how popular Louis was. When Louis turned up on Simon’s This Is Your Life they buried the hatchet.

“Simon told him, ‘We’ve made a mistake, we need you back on the show’. But by that time they’d hired Dannii Minogue and Brian Friedman.”

Dannii and Brian will still remain on the ITV1 show and Cowell, 47, was last night due to reveal what part Louis will now play.

X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne said at the Mojo Awards on Monday night: “I’ve missed Louis — I really want him back on the show. Simon was cruel.”

But Cowell maintained it was ITV’s decision to get rid of 54-year-old Louis and show host Kate Thornton.

The cast have begun auditions for the new series, which starts in August.

After getting the boot, Louis said his ten-year friendship with Cowell was in tatters.

He raged at the time: “I have been completely shafted by Simon. I never expected in a million years to hear that I was being sacked.”

The Sun

[Matt]

Of course...

[Arneldo]

Louis Walsh is to return to The X Factor as a replacement for Brian Friedman.

The 54-year-old Irishman lost his place on the TV singing contest's judging panel in March, but has been reinstated after Friedman asked Simon Cowell to change his role on the show.

Walsh pledged not to hold a grudge, saying: “In spite of all the bantering, I have continued to have a good working relationship with Simon, ITV and the show’s producers and I am thrilled to be asked back on the show."

It was announced earlier this month that pop star Dannii Minogue and Friedman, who recently appeared on ITV1's musical talent hunt Grease Is The Word, had joined Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne on the judging panel.

However, Friedman's new role as creative director will enable him to use his 15 years of experience as a dancer and choreographer. The 30-year-old said: "I'm ecstatic to finally put my true skills to the test. The British public has only seen what I've been able to do from afar through the music videos and stage shows I have worked on."

Paul Jackson, ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy, added: "We are thrilled to have Louis back on The X Factor and look forward to working with Brian in his new capacity."

DS

[Billy]

This is 100000 % true, he confirmed it on GMTV

[Chrizzle]

I realy dont like Louis, but I am glad hes back because it will make the show seem more familiar, and besides Simon is to likeable to dislike to be honest, Louis is such a twonk its nice to have someone to dislike on the panel!

[Arneldo]

But haven't they already started auditions? Does this mean Brian had done some auditions but leaves part way through? I don't think Louis was ever really sacked. They just wanted some publicity.

[CassetteFinger]

why o why i thought we got rid of louis walsh he is such a fanny i would of rather kate got her job back than louis.

[BigSister]

*narrows eyes*
But at least i have someone to notlike like Chjris said and i can bring my fanclub back

[Chri$]

But they will have 5 Judges??????

Sharon Osbourne
Simon Cowell
Brian Friedman
Danii Minogue
Louis Walsh

That wont work will it?????

[Ruth*Star]

Brian's got a different role now, i think its something to do with directing.

[Sarah.]

I don't like Louis Walsh at all so I was glad when I heard he got sacked, but damnit he's back..

[Matt]

Are you sure his sacking wasn't just a PR stunt?