The X Factor: Simon Cowell will 'definitely' return, says Louis Walsh Simon's coming back, I'm pretty certain of that. Simon, I think, is definitely coming back to X Factor ," he told Digital Spy. He's having some new faces on the panel. I'd say I'm 70 per cent certain he'll come back. Syco's leading man was head judge on The X Factor until 2010 before he left to launch the US version state-side. Walsh, 61, has previously spoken of his planned departure from the show, but has admitted to a change of heart after hearing that Cowell could return. The former Boyzone and Westlife manager has reportedly been having "the most fun" ever with current judges Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Two of Walsh's acts, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald, are in this weekend's final, and will both do battle with Osbourne's mentee Sam Bailey. Osbourne, 60, was also expected to leave the programme at the end of this series to "put her feet up" and focus on being a grandmother. But Walsh does not want her to leave. She's the life and soul of the party. We can always convince her, she made a big difference this year," he said. For the imminent grand final, the three remaining acts will perform duets with guest stars. Sam will sing with Nicole, Luke will team up with Ellie Goulding and Shane is to perform with Westlife's Shane Filan. "It might not be Beyoncé or Robbie, but we've got three amazing singers," Walsh revealed. Luke always fancied Ellie. She was in the house and he was like, 'Is that really Ellie Goulding?' He's kind of shy, he's only 17. Recently, Louis Walsh hit out at last year's X Factor winner, James Arthur, saying he should be "a lot more grateful and a lot more respectful" after the "Recovery" singer apologised live on air for using a homophobic lyric in a rap. Video: X Factor judges predict winner