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

Simon Cowell has refused to rule out the return of Louis Walsh to the X Factor.

Cowell, who replaced Walsh with DJ Nick Grimshaw for the latest series, said he "wouldn't rule anything out" when asked whether the Irishman could make a comeback.

"If I thought the viewers would like to see him on some of the live shows, why not?" the music mogul said during a visit to BRIT school in Croydon, South London.

Walsh reportedly turned down the chance to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle so he could make a return to the ITV talent show as a "fifth judge" in time for the live shows.

Walsh's spokesperson told ITV News earlier this week that the rumours were "all speculation".

An X Factor spokesperson said: