Louis Tomlinson has made it no secret that he wants to follow in Simon Cowell’s footsteps and discover new music talent.
And according to reports, the 23-year-old One Direction star will join Simon for the live judges houses round of the hit ITV show.
A source told The Sun: "Simon is pulling out the big guns as he is still determined to make this series a huge success.
"One Direction have always been big ratings winners and Louis is the most outspoken of the band. He won't be afraid to tell people if they're terrible, which Simon loves."
A spokesperson for The X Factor refused to confirm the rumours, telling Mirror Celeb: "It's too early to confirm who the guest mentors will be for Judges' Houses this year."
Louis has started up his own management and production company in a bid to find new artists. He also owns a stake in Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer.
Fans of Louis were shocked to learn that he is set to become a dad early next year following a romance with American stylist Briana Jungwirth.
The baby will arrive just before Louis and his One Direction bandmates go on hiatus from touring and releasing music after 5 years together as a band.