Cheryl Cole sensationally took back her seat on the judging panel this year, and Simon, 54, has confirmed she doesn’t want Louis Walsh to join them.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Simon said: “She doesn’t want Louis to come back, but he’ll be back. [I’ve spoken to her] a little bit, not much. But she’s keen. She’s looking forward to coming back, I think.”
Louis, 61, is the only judge on the show to have been present for all 10 series’, however it has been alleged that bosses what to replace him with younger face this year.
But Simon isn’t prepared to lose him, adding: “I want him to come back. We work really well together. I couldn’t imagine it [without him].”
Previously rumoured to be in the running for the fourth spot on the panel were Olly Murs, Khloe Kardashian and Rita Ora. But it has been reported that Mel B is currently negotiating a deal to join the show.
A source previously said: “It’s pretty much a done deal. And Simon thinks Mel will be perfect for the show.
“Fine details such as her expenses budget and filming dates need to be agreed. Other than that, she’s ready to go.”