As fans of X Factor may recall, around this time last year, Louis Walsh made it known that he wanted former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne to be his assistant at the Judges’ Houses stage of the show…

However, he was overruled by Simon Cowell who told him he’d appointed his sidekick Sinitta as Louis’ Judges’ Houses helper.

Sinitta has traditionally been Simon’s own assistant at Judges’ Houses, but of course, as he was in the US last year filming X Factor USA, he didn’t take part in the UK show.

And apparently, Louis fears the same thing could happen again this year, despite the fact that he’s been in talks with Sharon – and she’s agreed to be his JH assistant – to host the round in one of her US homes, or in Louis’ home in Miami.

A show insider told the Sun, “In Louis’s head he’s already there but he needs Simon’s OK…”

And it seems Simon is keen to help Sinitta boost her once more flagging career, particularly in light of the fact that eighties revival gig Hit Factory was cancelled because of the deluge of rain over London recently.

Sinitta recently said, “I was really upset that Hit Factory was cancelled.

“It’s inspired me to get back in the studio. I’m going to LA to see Simon soon so I’m going to talk to him about it then.”

Next week, The X Factor moves on to Boot Camp, which, for the first time ever, is being hosted in Liverpool after it proved impossible to find accommodation in London – as hotels are fully booked for the Olympics – for the 200 or so wannabes.

Who would you rather see at Judges’ Houses; Sinitta or Sharon?