Simon Cowell 'hosts secret pre-X Factor rehearsal with rumoured returnees Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh to gauge chemistry'

By Helen Turnbull and Rebecca Lawrence For Mailonline

Published: 04:18 EST, 12 April 2016 | Updated: 14:45 EST, 12 April 2016

With Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw all confirming they're not to return to The X Factor judging panel, it's thought Simon Cowell is weighing up his options for replacements with secret meetings.

The music mogul is said to have held a pre-X Factor rehearsal with rumoured returnees Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne recently in order to determine whether there's still chemistry between them.

The Sun claims Simon, 56, invited the pair to dinner to see whether or not their friendly banter would work on the panel when the show returns for a thirteenth series in summer.

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The originals: Simon Cowell reportedly held a secret pre-X Factor rehearsal with rumoured returnees Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh recently

The originals: Simon Cowell reportedly held a secret pre-X Factor rehearsal with rumoured returnees Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh recently

A source told the newspaper: 'He invited Louis and Sharon for dinner so he could see if it was still the same as before.'

Sharon, 63, who was a permanent fixture on the judging panel from day one in 2004 until 2007, had previously refused to 'come back with Simon' as she claimed his behaviour was controlling but Louis could swing her vote.

They added: 'Louis is determined for Sharon to take the job. He has made it a big part of his decision to come back and has urged Simon to persuade her.'

MailOnline has contacted Simon's management for clarification. 

Building bridges: The Sun claims Simon, 56, invited the pair to dinner to see whether or not their friendly banter would work on the panel when the show returns for a thirteenth series in summer

Building bridges: The Sun claims Simon, 56, invited the pair to dinner to see whether or not their friendly banter would work on the panel when the show returns for a thirteenth series in summer

This woman could be for turning: Sharon, 63, who was a permanent fixture on the judging panel from day one in 2004 until 2007, had previously refused to 'come back with Simon' as she claimed his behaviour was controlling but Louis could swing her vote

This woman could be for turning: Sharon, 63, who was a permanent fixture on the judging panel from day one in 2004 until 2007, had previously refused to 'come back with Simon' as she claimed his behaviour was controlling but Louis could swing her vote

The source added: 'Louis is determined for Sharon to take the job. He has made it a big part of his decision to come back and has urged Simon to persuade her'

The source added: 'Louis is determined for Sharon to take the job. He has made it a big part of his decision to come back and has urged Simon to persuade her'

Earlier in the month, it was reported that the flame-haired TV star had had talks with show bosses and it was a case of juggling her commitment to American chat show The Talk. 

Sharon - who returned to the show briefly for the tenth year anniversary, alongside Louis, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger - is believed to be keen to work alongside the Irish music manager once more.

She quit the show after the final of the 2007 season and was replaced by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini the following year. 

Meanwhile, veteran judge Louis's rumoured comeback follows his firing last year but it's thought Simon wants 'his friend back by his side like the good old days'. 

The deciding factor: Sharon is believed to be keen to work alongside the Irish music manager once more. The pair are pictured here at the National Television Awards in 2007

The deciding factor: Sharon is believed to be keen to work alongside the Irish music manager once more. The pair are pictured here at the National Television Awards in 2007

Louis has previously admitted his willingness to return to the show, and claimed the ultimate line-up would also include Sharon.

'If Simon asked me back, and I thought it would be fun, then absolutely I would,' he said.

'If he wants the dream team then he gets me, him, Sharon Osbourne and either Mel B or Nicole Scherzinger.'

Back in the day: Sharon returned to the show for the tenth year anniversary, alongside Louis, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger

Back in the day: Sharon returned to the show for the tenth year anniversary, alongside Louis, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger

The EX factor: The judging panel has been swapped and changed constantly since its creation with Dannii Minogue featuring on the 2007 edition

The EX factor: The judging panel has been swapped and changed constantly since its creation with Dannii Minogue featuring on the 2007 edition

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