Simon Cowell wants Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne to return to 'The X Factor'.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The 56-year-old music mogul held a dinner with the former judges to test if the "chemistry" between them all is still there in the hope they will join the judging panel on the ITV show.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Simon and Sharon have feuded for years and always said they would not work for each other again. But Simon is willing to put the past behind them because he is convinced the chemistry of the original panel is needed.

"He invited Louis and Sharon for dinner so he could see if it was still the same as before. Louis is determined for Sharon to take the job. He has made it a big part of his decision to come back and has urged Simon to persuade her."

Simon has been looking for new recruits after Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who wants to focus on her music, and Nick Grimshaw quit the show.

An insider said previously: "Cheryl told Simon of her decision at dinner last week in Los Angeles. They have had many discussions about the new series but she finally made up her mine.

"Her relationship with Simon is the best it's ever been and they both are incredibly supportive of each other. Music is her number one passion and she has just started working on a new album which she wants out later this year."