THE X FACTOR returns to our screens this weekend, and the publicity machine is kicking into gear.

Today, producers sent (parts of) the internet into a frenzy when the show’s official Twitter account sent this shocker:

They then followed up with this:

Naturally, speculation has been nothing short of wild.

Some people were unhelpful:

Some people made suggestions:

And a number of people settled on this:

But the overwhelming majority went for a certain high-trousered individual:

So there you go. The internet thinks Simon Cowell will be returning to the UK X Factor. Helloooo!

Chris Pizzello/AP/Press Association Images

Producers have already announced a number of other tweaks to the format.

• Sharon Osbourne will be returning to the judging panel alongside Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger.
• This year, contestants will have two sets of auditions – one facing only the judges, and then a second round with an audience at Wembley Arena.
• Each judge will be assigned their category before the Boot Camp stage, so they’ll be eyeing the talent for their specific area.
• During the final Boot Camp challenge, contestants will sing for one of six seats on a stage – each representing a place at the Judge’s House. However, even those given a seat can be replaced if a contestant after them improves on their performance.

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