The X Factor 2016: Louis Walsh in ‘informal talks’ to return as a judge in big-money deal

The former judge had a year off in 2015, but could be set to replace Nick Grimshaw
Comeback: Louis Walsh could be set to return as an X Factor judge
Tim P. Whitby/Getty
Ben Travis29 February 2016

After 2015’s series of the X Factor was all-change, it seems this year’s competition could be set to return to a more classic line-up.

With Nick Grimshaw officially ruling himself out of returning for a second year as a judge, there’s no surprises as to which old favourite might be coming back.

According to The Mirror, Louis Walsh is supposedly in ‘protracted informal talks’ with bosses to make a return to the singing contest – at a considerable cost.

Walsh has supposedly been offered an £800,000 deal to sign up, despite admitting to suffering hearing loss when he was a judge in 2014.

“It was genuinely really scary as I thought I was losing my mind, but the test showed I had mild hearing loss and I’ve no need for a hearing aid yet,” he said.

“Would it stop me being able to judge on The X Factor? Of course not. If Simon asked me back, and I thought it would be fun, then absolutely I would.

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“If he wants the dream team then he gets me, him, Sharon Osbourne and either Mel B or Nicole Scherzinger.”

Presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack also announced last week that they would not be returning for a second series, sparking hopes that Dermot O’Leary will step back in as host.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for the X Factor has claimed that the offer is 'just speculation'.

Speaking to Digital Spy, the statement said: "This is just speculation. No offer has been made."​

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