'X Factor' 2017: Judges All Tipped To Return For Next Year's Series

Given that Simon Cowell has a penchant for ditching ‘X Factor’ judges at the drop of a hat, his fellow members of the panel would be forgiven for fearing they could be next for the chop.

However, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger can reportedly all breathe a sigh of relief, as “leaked” plans reveal that the music mogul is keen to keep them all around for at least another year.

Following the news that there will be at least three more series of ‘X Factor’, The Sun has reported that Simon will once again be joined by Louis, Sharon and Nicole in 2017, after finally nailing the “chemistry” he’s been looking for on the panel for the past few years.

An insider told the newspaper: “Simon wants all the judges back next year. Contracts haven’t been signed but negotiations are already well under way.

“Nicole is keen because she loves the show and Sharon also wants to come back as long as she can keep up her crazy transatlantic travel schedule.”

And as for Louis? Well, he’s not going anywhere either.

The source continued: “After Louis was axed last year in favour of Nick Grimshaw, Simon desperately wanted him back.

“That gave him the leverage to negotiate a two-year deal, which is unheard of for the judges. But it also meant he had the security and confidence that he will be part of the show for the long-haul.”

All four judges have one act remaining in the competition ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals, following the departure of controversial novelty rapper Honey G in last weekend’s results show.

Find out how the four acts get on in this week’s live semi-final, kicking off on Saturday (3 December) at 8pm on ITV.