[Pete.]

Belfast Telegraph sheds light on judging panel

Simon Cowell will return in his role as head judge after The X Factor USA was not renewed this year.

Cheryl is believed to have negotiated a veto for anyone she didn't fancy sitting next to, but is said to be friends with Fergie and shares a close mate in the American star's bandmate, Will.i.am.

Meanwhile, Louis Walsh has apparently secured his usual spot by winning a bet with Simon - the music mogul dared his Irish pal to dance on stage with a group of leprechauns if he wanted his job back, according to the Daily Star.

Louis proved how much he wanted to be back on the show by getting up on stage at the preview of West End X Factor musical I Can't Sing! and dancing with the character based on him and a group of leprechauns, to a standing ovation from the audience.

Could the panel be: Simon, Cheryl, Fergie, Louis?