Five years ago, Simon Cowell saw exactly what -- or should we say who -- he needed to create an international pop phenomenon like never before when he gathered Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik into One Direction on "The X Factor UK" and lit the entire world afire from so many burning hearts. ?????

And although a lot has happened since the fab fivesome was first discovered -- break-ups, a baby, one monumental Twitter bio tweak, e.g. -- Louis Tomlinson has not forgotten about his life-changing reality TV roots.

In fact, he's now *officially* set to help his pal Simon scout out some fresh new talent at his old digs.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Louis will -- as all but confirmed at the tail end of summer -- appear on "The X Factor" later this month as one of Simon Cowell's judges' house guests, helping him whittle down the competition list in the male "overs" category (Meghan Trainer will come in for the assist with Rita Ora and the ladies) before the live show.

Perhaps Louis'll have a moment of magic grouping wisdom during his bit and help unite the Next Big Thing in boybands. (Hey, it could happen. And with 1D on hiatus on the rise, we kinda need something to tide us over.)