Tulisa, 26, will appear on this year's X Factor judge's houses round, but Simon, 54, is working out something much more permanent for her.

PICTURE: TULISA MAKES X FACTOR RETURN AT JUDGE'S HOUSES IN BERMUDA - CLICK TO SEE

The singer's career was left in tatters after she was involved in a newspaper drugs sting, leading to a year-trial. But music mogul Simon has come to her rescue.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: "It's about time she came back. I would have her back, definitely. I think she's had a tough time. I think she did a good job when she an X Factor judge.

"She worked really well with Little Mix and even now when they talk about her they really do like her."

READ: TULISA CONFIRMS SHE IS GETTING 'BACK TO BUSINESS' AND RECORDING NEW MUSIC

While the judging panel for this year's X Factor is already full, Simon admitted he is in the process of working out something for former N-Dubz singer Tulisa – and he has already said he is looking to shake up the Britain's Got Talent Line up.

He continued: "There will be something for Tulisa. I just don't know which show for definite."

READ: LOUIS WALSH ON TULISA'S DRUGS TRIAL – "IT WAS COMPLETE ENTRAPMENT, I HOPE HE GOES TO JAIL"

Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary has spoken about Tulisa's impending return to our TV screens. He said: "It's a big deal for her to come back, it's a big deal for her to be accepted [again].

"Louis [Walsh] in particular petitioned hard on her behalf. I know Simon was really for it as well… not blowing smoke up his bum, but he doesn't like holding a grudge."