Louis Walsh claims he has signed up to return to The X Factor

Louis Walsh says he’s signed up to make a return to The X Factor for its new series.

New plans for The X Factor this year were first announced in February by Simon Cowell.

He revealed ambitions to air both a Celebrity and All Star version of X Factor this year. Simon suggested that The X Factor will air two separate shows back to back this autumn, one seeing celebrities compete and the other featuring a line up of past contestants.

Alongside the familiar faces on stage, it’s said the series will feature an ‘all star’ line up of judges on the panel.

Former X Factor judge Louis has claimed to the Daily Mail newspaper that he has ‘officially signed on the dotted line’ for the 2019 show.

As yet ITV have not officially confirmed any details about The X Factor this year.

But Louis spoke previously about being in talks for a potential comeback.

“I’m speaking to Simon. Let’s see,” said Louis, who has appeared on all but two of The X Factor’s UK series.

He also backed Sharon Osbourne to appear on the show alongside him.

“Sharon would be great,” he told the Daily Mirror. “She’s burnt a few bridges, but that’s what’s good about her – she has an opinion. She’s never boring or predictable.”

However Sharon seemed to rule out an X Factor return while appearing on ITV’s Loose Women last month (May).

She said: “I absolutely had the best time, met great amazing people, had the best fun, was naughty, had a laugh, you know.

“But that part of my life is gone, and you can’t go back. I have to move on for myself.”

The speculation comes after Robbie Williams and Ayda Williams announced they had quit The X Factor.

The husband and wife pair have revealed earlier in 2019 they were stepping down from the series after one year.

Blaming busy schedules, the pair said: “We’re gutted to tell you we won’t be able to return to The X Factor this year. We will be working on projects with Simon going forward – and as huge fans of the show, we will still be tuning into The X Factor, voting and winding Simon up!”

And One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has admitted he may not be back on the show either.

As yet, no official details about The X Factor 2019 have been confirmed by ITV.

The X Factor will air on ITV later this year.