Louis Walsh says Simon Cowell ‘needed’ him back on the X Factor

X Factor: Celebrity judge Louis Walsh has said that Simon Cowell "needed" him back on the show.

After having been dropped as a judge twice before, the Mayo native is back for the latest incarnation of the show, X Factor: Celebrity, which is set to kick off with the live shows tonight [October 26]. Discussing his return to the ITV talent show, Louis claimed that "deep down" Simon knew he needed him back on The X Factor. 

"Simon has tried this before and it didn't work, but this feels like a completely new show and he may not want to admit it but deep down he knew he needed me back," He told The Sun. 

"He always realises in the end. I think he doesn't like the fact I've had less plastic surgery than him, and me being on the panel is a constant reminder.

"But even his son wanted me back. Simon phoned me and said Eric told him, 'Can you bring back Uncle Louis?'"

Louis will be mentoring the Unders category when the live shows kick off tonight. The category is made up of EastEnders' Jonny Labey, Glee's Kevin McHale, Love Actually's Olivia Olson and Megan McKenna. It comes as it was revealed one of the acts has undergone a bit of a change ahead of the live shows. https://twitter.com/TheXFactor/status/1187420993171677184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1187420993171677184&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.her.ie%2Fceleb%2Fx-factor-celebrity-live-shows-chaos-kevin-mchale-loses-voice-486675 The Islanders - a group made up of Love Island's Wes Nelson, Eyal Brooker, Samira Mighty and Zara McDermott - have changed their name. "The artists formerly known as The Love Islanders are pleased to announce their new name...*drum roll* No Love Lost!" the show's official account tweeted. "Much love to everyone who sent in name suggestions!"