‘The X Factor’ UK: Louis Walsh confirms he, Gary Barlow will return

For the past few years, we have referred to Louis Walsh as “Britain’s Randy Jackson,” but he is now doing something that the “American Idol” judge is not for the upcoming season of his show: Sticking around.

On the same day that we learned the truth about Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio (who both have singing-competition experience under their belts already) heading to the American version of “The X Factor,” the music manager Walsh (sporting a new head of hair!) confirmed to RTE Ten that he is going to return to the show for more action this year, and he will have some company courtesy of Take That Member Gary Barlow:

“I’m back, I am definitely back … Me and Gary, we’re the bookends and I’m sure Sharon Osbourne’s back and I helped to get her back, because she’s great fun.”

Barlow is a personal favorite due to his honesty (and because we want some of his suits), and the Osbourne casting, if it happens, still comes as a surprise given that she has a full-time job in “The Talk,” and there has been no buzz about her leaving the show. Is it possible that she could do both? Maybe, but it seems like an awful lot of work to travel to America every week.

As for the final spot on the panel, we’re betting that it’s Nicole Scherzinger despite whatever gossip you may hear otherwise. She is someone who was well-received last year, and the other name Louis brings up in Mel B seems unlikely, given that she is a judge right now on “America’s Got Talent” and doing both shows would be a scheduling nightmare.

Are you glad that Louis and Gary are back, even if the two bring very different styles to the show? If you want to read a little bit more news about Rowland’s new gig in America, all you have to do is click here.

Photo: ITV