Louis Walsh has hinted that Ellie Goulding might be joining the X Factor as a judge on the next series.

Walsh is returning for the 11th time as a judge along with the returning Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole but told The Sun that he thought Goulding would be a good addition to the judging panel.

He said: "I've heard Ellie Goulding. I just hope it's a girl."

Cowell himself announced his return to the show last month after being forced to cancel the US version of the show.

He said: "I am so happy that Cheryl has agreed to join The X Factor again," he said. "The last time we worked together in the UK was incredible and produced some really successful artists. Obviously the plan is to do the same again… so it's back to work!"

Auditions for this series of the X Factor will begin in April.