Simon Cowell refuses to rule out X Factor return for Louis Walsh

Simon further dispelled rumours of any beef on the show by telling them: “Just for the record, there’s always all this stuff about, we’re getting rid of people, we’re not happy”.

“And hopefully a few things will be a surprise, but you’ve got to be fearless when you do these types of things, and you’ve got to have a sense of humour”.

But while a confirmation of Louis being re-hired wasn’t forthcoming, Simon strongly hinted at it, saying: ‘If I thought the viewers would like to see him on a few of the live shows, why not?’

Simon Cowell isn’t ruling out Louis Walsh returning to The X Factor, as he knows the public want him back.

Although former judge Louis Walsh previously had more than one guest adviser on the talent show, the decision to make Judges’ Houses partly live is said to have made scheduling much more complicated.

Meanwhile Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is taking the groups to Rome – while Nick Grimshaw’s boys category may have to content themselves with a trip to Greater Manchester, in order to fit around his radio commitments.

After 18 months of hard work he succeeded though and his song, which was recorded by long-time friend Sinitta, went to number two in the charts.

He told pupils: “We’ve taken our time on Ben’s record and Fleur [East]’s record intentionally”.

“I love the show this year. You will get good weeks and not so good weeks”. I love Olly (Murs, presenter) and Caroline (Flack, presenter). I was so bored, it was so dusty and old-fashioned.

The businessman was speaking from the BRIT School in south London, attended by the likes of Adele, Jessie J and the late Amy Winehouse. “They’re just trying something different this year”. “They’re going to both obviously come back on the show, and I think both first singles are sensational, I mean, really good records”.

Simon visited the school and Nordoff Robbins facility in the grounds ahead of being honoured at this year’s Music Industry Trust Awards (MITS), which is held to raise money for the school and the music therapy charity.