Louis Walsh has pre-empted the lack of any offers for him to judge on the possible X Factor USA series by saying “I’ve got enough on”.

X Factor USA, which is due to launch on the Fox network from January 2011, has got Louis’ seal of approval though:

“I think The X Factor would be the biggest show on television anywhere. I think if Simon [Cowell]’s involved it will be. He wants to be the best, he wants to be the biggest, and he will be.”

Louis later admitted that there was little chance of him being a judge on X Factor USA even if he wanted to be, saying “I haven’t even been asked”.

Simon Cowell might be known as TV’s Mr Nasty, but his interview with Piers Morgan, to be shown tonight on ITV1, shows his softer side.

In it, Simon breaks down in tears when he talks of the passing of his father Eric in 1999.

“I find it very, very difficult to deal with that kind of reality. I shut myself off totally because it affects me so badly.”

“And then, because I had to deal with that, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do – because I’d never lost anyone in my life. I just couldn’t accept it.”

Simon also talks about his relationship with his 36-year-old fiancée, Mezhgan Hussainy, with whom he is “smitten”.

Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: Simon Cowell is on tonight at 9pm on ITV1.

We reported yesterday that Sharon Osbourne may be making a comeback to the X Factor to replace Dannii Minogue, who is expecting her first child.

Dannii Minogue is apparently worried by this, and is even considering cutting short her maternity leave in order to come back to the show. Dannii was expecting to stay in Australia with her parents for some months after the birth, but may now change her plans.

“Dannii wanted to be close to her parents when the baby arrives – she knows they’ll love fussing over her and bonding with their grandchild,” a source told Closer magazine. “But now she’s worried it might result in her losing The X Factor as she’s due at the same time as the auditions kick off.

“She knows she would be taking on too much to give birth then go back to work within a few weeks.”

Simon Cowell has apparently not been returning Dannii’s calls, whilst holding meetings with Sharon Osbourne – fuelling speculation about Sharon’s return. Dannii and Sharon Osbourne famously argued repeatedly whilst they were judging the X Factor together, leading to Sharon Osbourne leaving the show.

There are strong rumours that Sharon Osbourne is to return to the X Factor. Osbourne would replace Dannii Minogue, who is currently expecting her first child.

“I see Simon next week. I haven’t said congratulations about his engagement yet. I don’t know what will happen. I might find out from Simon next week.” Sharon was quoted as saying in the Mirror.

Sharon Osbourne was a popular judge with the public, but left after a series of rows with Dannii Minogue. There have been rumours before about a return to the X Factor, but these are the strongest signs yet it may happen.