Louis Walsh returns to The X Factor for ninth series

Image source, PA

Image caption, Louis Walsh is the only original X Factor judge on the ITV show

Louis Walsh is to return as a judge on The X Factor, ITV has confirmed.

The Irish music manager, who oversaw the careers of Boyzone and Westlife, rejoins Gary Barlow on the ITV1 talent show when it returns this year.

N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos is also expected to return, with former judge Dannii Minogue expected to take the place of Kelly Rowland.

"I'm back," said Louis Walsh, who has appeared on every show since its launch in 2004.

"It's my ninth year on the show and as the only remaining original judge I'm delighted to take my seat once more on the judging panel."

Gary Barlow congratulated Walsh on Twitter.

He said: "I hear there's a lovely lad from Ireland joining me on #XFactor. Congrats Louis! One of these years you'll be head judge :)"

Dermot O'Leary will continue to present the main show on ITV, while Olly Murs and Caroline Flack return to co-present The Xtra Factor on ITV2.

Show supremo Simon Cowell said: "The show wouldn't be the same without Louis, I am really happy he is coming back.

"I hope he has an opportunity this year to show what an astute manager he is."

ITV's director of television Peter Fincham said Louis Walsh was "an X Factor institution".

Live auditions for the show start in Liverpool on 23 May with Facebook applications open until Tuesday (8 May).