Sharon Osbourne replaces Tulisa on X-Factor

TV bosses confirmed Sharon Osbourne will return to The X Factor judging panel to replace Tulisa Contostavlos.

She will join Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger on the ITV series later this year.

Osbourne, last on the show as a judge six years ago, said she “couldn’t be happier” about her comeback.

The announcement means show boss Simon Cowell will be absent for a third year.

His departure coincided with a ratings tumble for the show, which was last year regularly beaten by BBC1 rival Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday nights.