The X Factor: Nick Grimshaw to be joined by Mark Ronson at Judges' Houses in Manchester
NICK GRIMSHAW will be joined by hitmaker Mark Ronson at the Judges' Houses stage of The X Factor, according to reports.
Mark Ronson is set to join Nick Grimshaw at Judges' Houses
The Radio One DJ, who is set to drag his category to Manchester while his co-stars head to much more exotic locations, is said to have asked his friend to help him decide who makes it through to the live shows.
The 31-year-old hopes getting 40-year-old Mark on board will win viewers and bosses back around, after it was said his predecessor Louis Walsh could be making a return.
It was reported last week that Nick would visit his hometown in the north for Judges' Houses, mainly due to his work commitments.
"Obviously Manchester isn't the most exotic of locations. But Grimmy's radio schedule is so hectic that he couldn't go jetting off anywhere," an insider told The Sun.
The DJ is said to be good friends with the hitmaker
Nick is hoping that signing Mark will win ITV bosses back around
"[Nick]’s in the studio every morning Monday to Friday so has to get back quickly after X Factor filming," a source informed the Sunday People.
They continued: "They’ve plumped for Greater Manchester as Nick grew up in Oldham and the area’s close to his heart.
"It’s lovely but not exactly what most of the boys will be expecting."
The news comes just a day after Simon Cowell dropped the biggest hint yet that Louis, 63, could appear on the live shows.
The Radio One star will host Judges' Houses from Manchester
Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora
After saying that there were "surprise to come", the 55-year-old commented: "I wouldn't rule out anything. By the way, when I say these things, sometimes I'm thinking, 'I've got to ask about 25 people, and half of them will go no'."
He added: "If I thought the viewers would like to see him on some of the live shows, why not?"
The X Factor continues on Sunday at 7pm on ITV1.
Louis Walsh is rumoured to be returning to the live shows