When little Irish fella and X Factor judge Louis Walsh suddenly grew a brand new head of hair, with absolutely no surgical intervention whatsoever apparently, it seemed like his newly and generously thatched pate opened many doors for him…

The biggest, or most expensive one being that which is on Simon Cowell’s private jet, for it opened up to then whisk Louis off to America to stand in for Simon who’s currently unable to attend auditions as he’s got bronchitis.

And it seems Louis is a big hit stateside because at the Kansas auditions, newbie judge Britney Spears gushed, “I love Louis, he’s really fun and I think he’s absolutely adorable.”

But perhaps aware of the phrase about organ grinders and monkeys, she hastily added, “I do miss Simon a little bit though.”

Similarly, Demi Lovato said, “There is only one Simon…but Louis killed it on Friday.”

I’m assuming the ‘it’ she referred to wasn’t in fact Simon; you know how people refer to spiders or something as ‘it’. Because if so, that could be awkward all round…

Not to be outdone, LA Reid said, “I absolutely love working with Louis.

“I find him fascinatingly quick, thorough, and remarkably entertaining.”

Wait, are you sure this is Louis Walsh? Our Louis Walsh??

I jest of course.

Louis meanwhile said, “I’m loving everyone on the panel and nobody seems to be missing Simon.”

Then I guess they all improved their aim eh Louis?