Louis Walsh confirms X Factor return

Louis Walsh has become the second judge confirmed for the 2012 series of The X Factor.

Louis joins Take That’s Gary Barlow on the panel for his ninth year as a judge and mentor on the show.

The Irish music mogul, who has managed acts such as Boyzone, Westlife and X Factor finalists Jedward, is the only judge to appear on every series of The X Factor.

“It’s my ninth year on the show and I’m delighted to take my seat once more on the judging panel,” said Walsh.

X Factor boss Simon Cowell said: “The show wouldn’t be the same without Louis. I’m really happy he is coming back.”

Co-star Barlow commented on Twitter: “I hear there’s a lovely lad from Ireland joining me on X Factor. Congrats Louis! One of these years you’ll be head judge.”

Walsh was famously sacked from X Factor in 2007, when he was replaced by choreographer Brian Friedman. However, Cowell quickly reinstated Walsh after only a couple of days of auditions, confessing that he had made a “big mistake” dumping his co-star and friend.

Tulisa Contostavlos is expected to be announced as the third X Factor judge soon, but a replacement for Kelly Rowland, who confirmed her departure this week, remains up in the air.

X Factor filmed auditions begin on May 23, so all four judges must be confirmed before that date.

Peter Fincham, ITV’s director of television, said: “Louis is, quite simply, an X Factor institution. It’s great to have him back for this year’s run.”

Richard Holloway, managing director at Thames, added: “Louis’s wealth of experience in the music industry, coupled with the fact he has been on every series of The X Factor, makes him a fantastic judge and mentor.”