Simon Cowell has confirmed that he will feature on this year's UK X Factor - but only by a satellite link.

The music mogul previously revealed that he planned to appear on the show this year in some shape or form after leaving in 2011 to concentrate on the US edition.

The UK version has arguably suffered since Cowell's departure, with ratings generally down from when he was on the series.

The Mirror quotes Cowell as saying that he will definitely feature on the 2013 edition, but it seems it will only be via video. He said:

"I won't be back full time but I will have an appearance. A little bit - probably by satellite."

He added: "We'll come back bigger and better and ­stronger to try to beat them. There are going to be ­changes that will give everybody what they want."