Simon Cowell has recruited Brian Friedman back to The X Factor - in an attempt to spice up the show.

According to the Daily Mirror, the X Factor boss believes that having the 37-year-old back as creative director will help hurt Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings battle.

Brian was judge for a short time on 2007's X Factor before Louis Walsh was reinstated.

He was then made creative director and worked on wacky performances by the likes of Jedward, Katie Waissel and Wagner.

A source said that Brian had been hired "to bring back some madness" to the ITV shows, now featuring Simon, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis as judges.

"They've worked together for a long time now and Simon loves that Brian gets that the show works best when it's flamboyant, camp and full of drama," the source told the newspaper.

"Simon wants performances and stylings that everyone will be talking about at work on Monday.

"He's briefed him to work with the contestants to create some iconic moments for this year's live shows."