With ‘X Factor’ having made his career, as it was thanks to the show that his boyband ‘One Direction’ was set up, Louis Tomlinson seems to be returning to his roots.
The Mirror reports that the now solo artist is returning to the series as a judge to shake up the panel. As it stands, the panel for the next series will consist of show boss Simon Powell, Robbie Williams, and his wife Ayda Field, though Robbie was recently hesitant to confirm that he and his wife will be judges.
Tomlinson’s appointment would make the panel three men and one woman for the first time in the show’s fifteen-year history.
The 'Just Hold On' singer previously appeared on the show when he helped Cowell at Judges’ Houses in 2015. He was previously tipped as a replacement for Nick Grimshaw for the 2016 series. When it didn’t work out, he took a guest role on ‘America’s Got Talent’ instead.
A source told The Mirror: “Louis is very much a part of the X Factor family.
“He’s a close friend of the show and would make a brilliant judge. Simon mentored One Direction and signed them to Syco Records. Now he’s looking after Louis’ solo career – which is going really well.
“Simon hopes the deal will be done in the next few days.”
Auditions for the latest series, its 15th, start shortly on July 18th at Wembley Arena in London.
Louis Walsh recently spoke about leaving the series after over a decade.
