‘X Factor': One Direction's Louis Tomlinson Set To Join Show In A Bid To Boost Ratings

Can 1D Save 'The X Factor'?
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Simon Cowell has reportedly turned to One Direction to help boost ratings of this year’s ‘X Factor’.

‘Strictly’ attracted three million more viewers than ‘The X Factor’ and now Simon is pulling out the stops to improve the show’s ratings.

Louis is set to join Simon at the judges’ houses stage of the competition, which will be televised live for the first time this year.

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Louis Tomlinson

The 23-year-old will help Simon choose which contestants from his Overs category who will be taken to the live shows.

“One Direction have always been big ratings winners and Louis is the most outspoken of the band. He won’t be afraid to tell people if they’re terrible, which Simon loves.”

Louis has admitted: “I’d love to if I got the call. But it’d be weird to go to anyone’s but Simon’s as he’s my boss.”

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Simon is also planning to get 1D to perform on the show before they split next year.

The music mogul said: “I would like their last performance before their break to be the X Factor final, 100 per cent. I think they will come on the final of The X Factor this year.”

'X Factor': Most Controversial Moments
Emily Nakanda's Happy-Slapping Scandal(01 of06)
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Back in series four, 15-year-old Emily Nakanda was one of the early favourites to win the show, but had to back out, after a video emerged showing her violently attacking another teenage girl.Reports at the time said Emily was asked to leave the competition by producers, or risk being axed. (credit:Ken McKay/Rex)
Frankie Cocozza Oversteps The Mark(02 of06)
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Frankie's hard partying during his time on 'X Factor' in 2011 was well-documented, but it ended up costing him his place in the competition, when he broke one of producers' "golden rules", later reported to have been the use of class-A drugs. (credit:Beretta/Sims/REX)
Grimmy And Rita Join The Show(03 of06)
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The addition of Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora was - at least initially - a controversial one, with some critics wondering whether either of them had the relevant experience to find the UK's hottest talent. (credit:ITV)
The Six Chair Challenge(04 of06)
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The 'Six Chair Challenge' has been a sticking point with 'X Factor' viewers since its debut in 2013. Many have branded the final stage of Bootcamp cruel, with some hopefuls gaining a place at Judges' Houses only to have to give it up later, but Simon Cowell clearly doesn't mind, as it's back for 2015. (credit:Tom Dymond/Thames/Rex)
Louis Walsh Pushes Dannii To Breaking Point(05 of06)
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Louis repeatedly accused Dannii of stealing one of his acts' songs back in 2008, resulting in the 'Put The Needle On It' singer breaking down in tears live on air, and having to vacate the panel at one point to gather herself.Simon jumped to Dannii's defence, telling Louis: "Dannii made the right choice, Louis, if you don't like it, tough."You're always whining and complaining. You two have to kiss and make up." (credit:ITV)
Gamu-Gate(06 of06)
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A turning point for Cheryl's popularity with the British public came when she was met with a backlash for putting both Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel through to the live shows, over viewers' favourite Gamu, despite neither of them finishing their performances at judges' houses.Reports later suggested that Gamu could be facing deportation from the UK - adding to the backlash against Cheryl - though the aspiring singer was later insistent this was not the case. (credit:Ken McKay/TalkbackThames/Rex)