Simon Cowell will be seen on the UK edition of The X Factor for the first time since 2010 tonight.
The mogul, who departed the series to appear on the US edition of the talent show, is seen making an appearance from Miami in the second of this year's Boot Camp episodes.
He speaks to Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow over the phone, telling them which categories they will mentor.
Cowell on tonight's show (ITV)
Cowell, 52, did not appear at all during last year's run, won by Little Mix. He did, however, make a satellite link on The Xtra Factor following Amelia Lily's elimination on the night of the Wembley final.
Tonight the remaining Boot Camp acts will be cut down to the final 24, who will then jet out with their mentors to Judges' Houses.
From there, only three acts will be chosen from each category to progress to the live shows.
Last year, 32 contestants were whisked to the Judges' Houses, with 16 making it to the first live broadcast. The judges then had to choose one of their own acts EACH to send packing.
The previous year, judges Walsh, Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue were permitted an extra 'wildcard' act.
PHOTOS: Behind the scenes at Boot Camp
Entertainment News