The X Factor judge Louis Walsh has claimed that Sharon Osbourne will be returning to replace Dannii Minogue next year.

Acid-tongued Osbourne was replaced by Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole after show bosses refused to meet her pay demands - and Cole has been an instant hit with fans.

Many now think Minogue's role on the judging panel is superfluous, and Louis is reported to have said Osbourne will "come back next year".

The Daily Star quoted Walsh, 56, as saying: "Obviously Dannii would be the one to go - having Sharon and Cheryl on the show together is too good an opportunity to miss.

"The thing about Sharon is she can't be controlled. At the moment Simon has three judges who, let's face it, he controls. With Sharon we never knew what she was going to do next - she was just so unpredictable. I really miss her but we speak on the phone at least twice a week."

Walsh also took credit for landing Cole, but said it had been Osbourne's idea.

He said: "Cheryl has come in and is doing a fantastic job. She's a natural and definitely has a career in television. She brings the emotion that Sharon did, without the mad streak. And, of course, she's absolutely stunning.

"It's funny because it was actually Sharon who suggested Cheryl take over her role on the show. And it was me who put all the calls in and persuaded her to do it. The fact that she's proved so popular is a credit to Sharon."