Walsh: UK 'X Factor' needs Cowell return
Louis Walsh would love Simon Cowell to come back to the UK's 'X Factor'.
The longest-serving judge on the singing contest - who is currently joined by Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Tulisa Contostavlos on the panel of the show - thinks the programme "needs" him back from the US version and he personally "wishes" he would return.
He told The Sun newspaper: "If Simon did come back, he'd have the number one show.
"That's the thing about Simon - he always wants to be number one.
"We need him in the building, he's always fun, he keeps everybody on their toes. I wish he'd come back."
'X Factor' and BBC rival show 'Strictly Come Dancing' have long been involved in a bitter battle for ratings, with both triumphing over the other at various points.
Meanwhile, Take That star Barlow is believed to have agreed with bosses on the show not to take part in the next series, in what would be his third.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It's time for a shake-up. While Gary has never committed to another series, he was willing to listen to offers if this one went well.
"However, he was given the least desirable category - the Overs - and three of his four acts have already been eliminated.
"He feels his integrity has been compromised and the show has lost its credibility.
"By mutual consent, he will not be returning next year."
