After months and months of endless speculation, the three judges who will be joining Simon Cowell on this year's X Factor have been revealed, although it has all but been confirmed already in recent weeks.
The big question is though, has Louis Walsh signed on the dotted line? And the answer is one big fat YES. The Mayo man will return to his rightful position on the panel, and will be joined by his fellow former judges Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger. The news was announced by ITV this morning...
Welcome back @MrsSOsbourne, @NicoleScherzy & Louis Walsh who join @SimonCowell on this year's judging panel. ðŸ'‰ðŸÂ?¼ https://t.co/xl0oQvHCKF
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) June 1, 2016
Speaking of his return, Louis Walsh said; "He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I’m delighted to be back on the panel especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole, and I’m looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions."
While Sharon Osbourne, who was a judge on the show from 2004 to 2007 and again in 2013, said; "I'm overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric."
Nicole Scherzinger worked on the series in 2012 and 2013, and has left a stint on Broadway for the gig. It doesn't sound like she has any regrets though, saying; "I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best Judges sitting alongside me on the panel. I'm excited about discovering, mentoring and winning with an exciting new act this year. And having had winning contestants in the past, Simon knows I will do it."
While Simon Cowell just had a warning for everyone ahead of the new series, stating; "Be careful what you wish for!"
These four judges all seem to get on like a house on fire, and undoubtedly are the dream team for each other... will that make for good telly though? We'll have to wait and see.
One thing is for sure, with the return of some veteran judges, Dermot O'Leary back as host, and the room auditions making a comeback, you can't help but feel calm has been restored at X Factor camp. We may even tune in.