Is Tulisa about to return to ‘The X Factor’?

Louis Walsh has backed Tulisa Contostavlos to make a return to The X Factor this year.

The 61-year-old said that he would like to invite the former judge to assist him at the Judges’ Houses stage of the competition, following the collapse of her recent drugs trial.

Louis told The Sunday People: “I have spoken to Tulisa. I totally support her. I spent so much time in her dressing room, I know who the real Tulisa is. She’s rough around the edges but she’s a good girl. I like her.

“I definitely would have her at Judges’ Houses. She’ll bounce back. She’s a tough lady, and she’s made it this far on her own. My advice would be to make a great record and show off that gorgeous face of hers.”

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell has predicted that the Young singer has “a lot of opportunities ahead of her”. He recently responded to claims from Tulisa’s PA that he is gay – read more here.

“Tulisa’s been through a rough time and has come through it. I think she deserves a break now,” he said.

Tulisa served as a judge on The X Factor in 2011 and 2012, before being replaced by Sharon Osbourne for the most recent series.

Cowell, Walsh, Mel B and Cheryl will feature on the panel for the upcoming eleventh series, which will begin on ITV later this month. Watch a teaser trailer for the series below.