Forget the Queen and move over Mary Berry, you are not the most popular people in the country.

Simon Cowell says that accolade belongs to his former X Factor co-judge Louis Walsh.

The pop mogul hailed the Irishman, who is reported to be making a return as a guest judge in some of The X Factor’s live shows.

Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh at the London Cabaret Club Gala Lunch Party
(Jon Furniss/Invision)

Simon told the Sun: “I spoke to Louis and I said, ‘I don’t know what has happened but you are suddenly the most popular person in this country’. And he said, ‘I know’.

“I can’t explain it. I think people obviously miss him. For Louis’ sake it has been good for him not being on the show and seeing how much people like him.”

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