Simon Cowell is set to return to this year's The X Factor, it has been revealed today.

And Mr Nasty, who quit the show two years ago to launch the US version, could make more than one appearance.

According to The Mirror, when asked about The X Factor while at Edinburgh TV Festival, executive producer Richard Holloway let slip that SiCo would appear "in some guise, somewhere".

Pushed for more detail, Holloway refused to reveal any more, saying: "Ooh, that would be giving it away, wouldn't it?

"That's all I'm prepared to say - it's not a hologram."

The Mirror claims details of Simon's role on the UK show have yet to be worked out, although he has reportedly already been filmed revealing the judges' categories.

But rumour has it that show bosses are hoping the TV mogul will also make an appearance during the live shows, possibly via video link from LA.

This year's series debut pulled in [uuid=4c357415-deb6-45c9-a60e-349507a4fe73]disappointing viewing figures[/uuid] but picked up a little on Saturday with 8.9 million Brits tuning in for the second round of auditions.

[uuid=52440b59-a391-4181-80ec-003ec4154c8e]THE X FACTOR IS BACK FOR 2012! CHECK OUT PICS HERE[/uuid]