Louis Walsh has hinted that Tulisa Contostavlos could make a return to The X Factor, saying he would love to have her at judges' houses.

The X Factor judge told The Sunday People he was backing ex-judge Tulisa since the collapse of her drugs trial and her conviction for assault.

He said: "I have spoken to Tulisa. I totally support her. I spent so much time in her dressing room, I know who the real Tulisa is.

"She's rough around the edges but she's a good girl. I like her. I definitely would have her at judges' houses. She'll bounce back.

"She's a tough lady, and she's made it this far on her own. My advice would be to make a great record and show off that gorgeous face of hers."

Tulisa sat on the ITV show's judging panel in 2011 and 2012, but left before last year's series started.

Returning head judge Simon Cowell added: "Tulisa's been through a rough time and has come through it. I think she deserves a break now. I think she's got a lot of opportunities ahead of her."

This year's judging panel includes Simon, Louis, Mel B and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who changed her name from Cole after her recent surprise wedding.