The X Factor: Celebrity judge Louis Walsh makes epic return after two years as he jets into Simon Cowells Malibu mansion by helicopter

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Louis Walsh jetted in to Malibu in style in an X Factor-branded helicopter

LOUIS Walsh has made an epic return to The X Factor after two years as he jets into Simon Cowell’s Malibu mansion by helicopter.

The 67-year-old is a judge on the first celebrity version of the show launching on ITV tonight.

Our exclusive pictures show Louis touching down as he rejoined The X Factor family after being axed.

He said: “I am so glad to be back. I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had on The X Factor.

Tonight will see Louis’ dramatic entrance revealed as he smoothly walks out of the helicopter with his sunglasses on.

A source told us: He’s been away for two years and as we see in tonight’s show he arrived in LA in full glamour and style in The X Factor helicopter.

He flew over Simon’s Malibu mansion

He has made an epic return after two years

The 67-year-old wore shades as he filmed the start of the series

“Louis is back with renewed energy and said he needed no convincing to return and he thinks this series will surprise people.

The Irish music manager was snubbed in favour of Robbie Williams, his wife Ayda Field and Louis Tomlinson making their judging debut in 2017.

Before that he had been a judge on every series, bar 2015, of The X Factor since its inception in 2004.

He said at the time of his departure: “I’ve had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave.

“I’m looking forward to another series of Ireland’s Got Talent, going back to my day job as a manager, writing my memoirs and seeing the world!”

Louis joins Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger on the panel with Dermot O’Leary returning as host

Quizzed on whether Louis has changed during his time apart on the show, Simon said: “I’ve never, really ever had a disagreement with Louis over an artist or a decision or anything else.

“We’ve worked as friends. Were genuinely friends and that was part of the decision to have him on the show again this year.

“It wasn’t just the fact that he’s been on the show, it’s just that it reminded me, unlike other people, that managers can be great friends as well. Louis is a great guy.

“He’s a great friend. He’s gone away and has taken that time to remember what makes him tick, and that’s music.”

The X Factor: Celebrity is making its hotly anticipated premiere tonight with a star line-up.

The music mogul has sacked Louis in the past, but they’ve always remained great friends

Simon has revamped his hit singing contest, which will now provide a platform for people in the public eye, instead of regular contestants.

This means well-known faces will be taking to the stage in the following categories – Groups, Unders and Overs.

Celebrities including Megan McKenna, Rikki Lake and Jenny Ryan will all be seeing if they’ve got what it takes to be a singer.

See the full line-up here.

  • The X Factor: Celebrity starts TONIGHT 8:35pm on ITV.