Rumours persist that ITV bosses are going to drop Louis Walsh from the X Factor judging panel, despite Simon Cowell being keen to keep Louis on the show.
The latest news, reported in the Mirror, is that Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears, 35, is tipped to replace Louis, 61, as ITV chiefs think a change is needed to revive the show’s flagging ratings.
Simon insisted recently: “It wouldn’t be the same without Louis.”
But bosses are desperate to plug the ratings leak and American singer Jake is tipped as the man to do it.
A source said: “Jake really impressed when he was a guest mentor on The Voice, but Louis is very much Simon’s man, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Jake has indicated he would love to be a judge, saying in 2010: “I would be happy and very excited to appear on one of Simon Cowell’s shows.
“I think I’d have a good time. I’d definitely be enthusiastic.”
Cheryl Cole, 30, is also returning to the panel after a four-year gap and has admitted she would prefer Louis be replaced by another female judge.
An X Factor spokesman said: “Simon and Cheryl are the only confirmed judges. No decisions have been taken on the rest.”
The X Factor is due to return on ITV at the end of the summer.
