Printable version of thread

X FACTOR star Zayn Malik is set to make a shock return to the show – as a judge.

Telly bosses reckon signing up one of the One Direction boys, who found fame on the TV smash, would be a huge hit with fans.

Ex-bandmate Louis Tomlinson, 23, was rumoured to be in the picture.

But Zayn's empty diary makes him the front runner for a seat on the judging panel.

He quit the band in March with reports suggesting he wanted to spend more time with girlfriend Perrie Edwards, 21.

A source said: "Zayn's been told he'd make a great judge and it's him rather than Louis fans really want. Louis and the other boys will be touring next year, too."

A spokesman for Zayn, 22, yesterday denied the claims.

But fans are keen on seeing more of their idol on telly.

Paynefroot wrote online: "If Zayn isn't going to be in One Direction I want him as a judge on X Factor."

And another fan, Paayal Shah, tweeted: "Omg @zaynmalik might be an x - factor judge looool what #xfactor"