Louis Tomlinson begs for X Factor role

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is set to become a reality TV judge after confirming he's told Simon Cowell he's desperate for an X Factor role.

The 23-year-old singer has long been tipped as a prospective panel member on the British show, and he has been lined up to help music mogul Simon decide which of his contestants to take through to the final stages during the current season. Louis thoroughly enjoyed the process of whittling down six hopefuls to three during the Judges' Houses segment, and he has made it clear to Simon that in 2016 he wants a larger role - which would work well as One Direction will be on hiatus.

"I've handed my CV to Simon for next year's show, so we will see how it goes," he told Britain's The Sun newspaper. "It's definitely something I am thinking about. I am the biggest X Factor fan and I would love to be there week in, week out and really give that level of passion. I think I would be a decent judge."

Louis and his bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne were discovered on the programme in 2010, so the series holds a special place in his heart. The star admitted this isn't the first time he's asked Simon about being involved, joking it's something which has been on his mind for years.

"It was more me asking him non-stop, a lot of relentless nagging," he laughed. "I'd love to do more judging to be honest."

Simon is famed for mixing up the judging panels of his TV shows. This year marks the first since the British programme began in 2004 that Irish star Louis Walsh hasn't sat on the panel, with newcomers Rita Ora and DJ Nick Grimshaw sitting alongside Simon and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. There is speculation he'll be making changes in 2016 to keep things fresh, and ensure ratings don't slide, with an insider suggesting Louis is a sure thing.

"The producers wanted to see how Louis coped during judges' houses in France," the source told The Sun. "He passed with flying colours. Louis shook hands on the deal informally and it's now all systems go for next year."