Louis Walsh has reportedly been persuaded by Simon Cowell to stay on The X Factor for another year.

The Sun claims that the talent show supremo convinced his old pal not to go, by revealing that he'll be returning to the judging panel himself this year.

And SiCo is now reported to be focusing on "the girls" to occupy the remaining two seats on the panel.

A source said: "Simon took a while to confirm he was definitely coming back and now he's there he wants Louis by his side.

"They are old pals and he knows that he couldn't do it without Louis. Louis hits a certain audience and has been a constant on the panel — he is someone that Simon trusts.

"He's his eyes and ears when Simon's not around which, for a control freak like Simon, is vitally important."

Cheryl Cole is reported to be Cowell's top target for the show, with Rita Ora claimed to be his other favourite.

Popular existing judge Nicole Scherzinger is now claimed by The Sun to be "seen as a back-up judge, along with Dannii Minogue".