Niall Horan has congratulated Louis Tomlinson on his newly revealed X Factor judge role.

Both singer-songwriters met on the TV smash hit singing talent show which turned them into global superstars, along with other former One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Zayn.

Yesterday (July 17) the 26-year-old was confirmed as a judge on the UK version of X Factor, alongside Robbie Williams, his wife Ayda Field and Simon Cowell, during a press conference at London's Somerset House. Sharon Osbourne is also set to be a judge, but only on the live shows that follow the pre-filmed auditions.

Horan tweeted this morning (July 18): "Absolutely delighted for ya @Louis_Tomlinson . Going back home to @TheXFactor but as a judge this Time . Huge news!! @SimonCowell", to which Louis Tomlinson replied: "Thank you so much mate! Miss you lad."

Last month Niall Horan released his new single "Finally Free" on June 6. He also recently kicked off the South American leg of his Flicker world tour. Check out the Irish star's tour dates HERE.

Horan's debut solo album "Flicker" has been certified Gold in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Sweden and Platinum in Canada. It's reached No. 1 in the U.S, Ireland, South Korea, Holland and Canada.