Louis Walsh is to return to The X Factor after thrashing out a deal with show bosses.
The programme veteran will come back for his ninth series when the ITV1 hit is screened again later this year.
Louis, 59, is understood to be still waiting to put pen to paper but he has finalised terms for continuing with the talent show.
His return was not unexpected with programme boss Simon Cowell predicting last week that the 2011 X Factor panel would carry on.
He said: "I think they want to come back. I think actually all of them will come back."
Louis was joined by Tulisa Contostavlos, Gary Barlow and Kelly Rowland last year.
An X Factor insider said of the judge: "A deal has been agreed."
Who do you want to join Louis on the judging panel? Let us know below...
SLIDESHOW: Remember last year's X Factor contestants?
X Factor contestants voted off
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Open Image ModalLittle Mix (credit:Rex Features)
(02 of16)
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Open Image ModalJanet Devlin
(04 of16)
Open Image ModalCraig Colton (credit:Rex Features)
(05 of16)
Open Image ModalKitty Brucknell (credit:Rex Features)
(06 of16)
Open Image ModalFrankie Cocozza (credit:Rex Features)
(07 of16)
Open Image ModalSophie Habibis
(08 of16)
Open Image ModalJohnny Robinson (credit:Rex Features)
(09 of16)
Open Image ModalThe Risk (credit:Rex Features)
(10 of16)
Open Image Modal2 Shoes (credit:Rex Features)
(11 of16)
Open Image ModalJames Michael (credit:Rex Features)
(12 of16)
Open Image ModalJonjo Kerr (credit:Rex Features)
(13 of16)
Open Image ModalNu Vibe (credit:Rex Features)
(14 of16)
Open Image ModalSami Brookes (credit:Rex Features)
(15 of16)
Open Image ModalMisha Bryan (credit:REX Features)
(16 of16)
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