The Irish judge has been on the panel for the past 11 series of ‘X Factor’, but it’s thought he won’t be returning for the next series, insisting now that he’d like to cross over and appear on rival show ‘Strictly’ instead.
Louis has even gone as far as picking out a professional dancer he wants to be partnered with, claiming he would like to dance with ballroom expert and controversy magnet, Ola Jordan, should he land himself a place in this year's line-up.
“I'm basically going back to my roots, which is the reason I got into this business - music. I love music.
"But I wasn't sacked, I haven't been hired and I'm not hanging around."
However, Simon appeared to confirm Louis’ departure from the show when he sent out a tweet praising him as “one of the good guys”, adding: “We will always be friends. The door remains open and who knows what’s next.”
If it’s a motormouth DJ with northern charm that Simon is after for the panel, then he should look no further than ex Radio 1 star Coxy. She was approached by ‘X Factor’ producers last year to replace Sharon Osbourne, but Mel B was eventually chosen instead. Could this finally be Sara’s year? (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Louis Tomlinson(02 of10)
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The One Direction star became a regular at ‘X Factor’ rehearsals last year, dishing out advice to hopefuls ahead of their live performances. Louis has also made no secret of the fact he wants to work more behind the scenes post-1D, even setting up his own record label and snapping up 2014 contestant Jack Walton. A spot on the judging panel would be the perfect way of cementing himself as the next Simon. (credit:Dave Benett/Trekstock via Getty Images)
Robbie Williams(03 of10)
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Prankster Robbie is already part of the X Factor family having duetted with many of the show’s finalists and helped former judge Gary Barlow out at his Judges Houses, so it would seem like the next logical step to become a judge. However, Rob denied rumours linking him to the panel earlier this year, saying he was “too busy” to commit to the show. Boo! (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
Brian Friedman(04 of10)
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Long before Brian was making contestants wear ridiculous outfits and wheeling out gospel choirs at every given opportunity as the show’s creative director, he did actually sit on the panel. While he only lasted an episode after replacing Louis Walsh following his first axing in 2007, now could be the right time for him to have a second stab at this judging lark. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)
Natalia Kills(05 of10)
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Shamed ‘X Factor New Zealand’ judge Natalia is in search of a new job after being unceremoniously dumped for dishing out vile comments to one of the show’s hopefuls. While we can’t see Si hiring her again in a hurry, we’re sure we’re not the only ones who’d like to see her dishing out a bit of real talk to some of the cockier contestants. (credit:Astrid Stawiarz via Getty Images)
Nasty Nigel(06 of10)
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‘Nasty’ Nigel was dishing out barbed comments and crushing the dreams of talent show wannabes years before people even knew Simon Cowell’s name. And with accusations that Simon has turned soft since he became a father, could a TV return from the Popstars judge be just what the show needs? (credit:Michael Tullberg via Getty Images)
Katie Waissel(07 of10)
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When Katie took to the stage with some of ‘The X Factor’s most memorable contestants during last year’s final, some eagle-eyed viewers noticed that she had a bone to pick with Simon following the performance. She was caught mouthing the words “you owe me” to the head judge, prompting speculation as to what he had promised her with to convince her to perform. A spot on the panel, perhaps? (credit:Ben A. Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Sam Smith(08 of10)
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There isn’t a popstar bigger in the world right now than Mr Smith, but unfortunately for the chart topper, he’s had to pull out of a string of tour dates and live performances owing to a vocal cord hemorrhage. With all this free time now in his diary, Sam may be able to juggle the demands of the show with his music career. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Kim Kardashian(09 of10)
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One of the most bizarre names to emerge as potential ‘X Factor’ judges this year has no doubt been Kimmy K, but it seems Simon is quite a fan of the reality star. He told the Daily Star: “The idea of Kim Kardashian on the panel excites me quite a lot." While KK may seem like an unlikely judge, she is married to one of the industry’s most successful rappers and let’s not forget her attempt at topping the charts herself with single ‘Jam (Turn It Up)’. (credit:Paul Archuleta via Getty Images)
Boy George(10 of10)
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The Culture Club singer has made no secret of his desire to become an ‘X Factor’ judge, as he previously said: “I would be great, but I’m not sure if they could handle me.I’d do it, but it depends how much they would pay me and if I could have Cheryl’s wardrobe budget.” While we can’t promise that, we’re sure he’d inject even more colour and campness into proceedings. (credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)