Confirmed: The X Factor Officially Welcome Back…

Rumours of Simon Cowell's return to the UK X Factor have been rife, and a short time ago the ITV hit show confirmed that 'Mr. Nasty' will be returning for the 11th series.  After a three-year stint on the US version of the hit show, Cowell will resume his role as head judge following the departure of Gary Barlow.

That's right. @SimonCowell will lead the judging panel when the most talked about show on UK TV returns later this year. #xfactor — The X Factor (@TheXFactor) February 7, 2014

TV bosses announced the news from The X Factor Twitter account. In a statement Cowell expressed his delight to be making the return in Autumn. "The UK X Factor has set the benchmark in finding worldwide superstars over the years - including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Olly Murs , JLS and Little Mix," he said. The 54-year-old kept mum on who would fill the other judging roles. "Despite all the rumours, ITV and the producers have not decided on the rest of the judging panel quite yet." "You'll just have to wait and see," he coyly added. Will we see Cheryl Cole rejoining the X Factor panel? As long as Lou Lou is still there, everything will be fine...