I doubt Sharon will stay, and I wonder if we'll have another female judge.
I'm not sure just putting things back to how they were will rescue the show. In TV if you're standing still you're going backwards. But it is a clear improvement on last year already.
It seems to me Sharon has quit, although no announcement, since some sources are stating they are still looking for a 4th member. Louis, I think, is returning.
Rita, Olly, Danni and Nicole are all ruled out. Tulisa is banned.
It's been said from the start Sharon was only going to be there for a year, and it was pretty clear after the final she hadn't changed her mind.
I do think with Dannii ruling herself out once again Louis Walsh is the problem - can't get too excited about this panel plus a 4th (Olly Murs would be a very lazy option!), and I think looking at the panel as a whole having Simon, Cheryl and two newcomers would be more appealing.
