Simon Cowell has said Louis Tomlinson can take time off from his role on The X Factor in the aftermath of his sister's death.
The former One Direction star faced a devastating loss this year after his younger sibling Félicité, 18, died from a suspected heart attack in March.
While Louis, 27, is slowly returning back to work, there's no pressure from his boss Simon .
The head judge, 59, has said he will leave the door open for Louis to return to the X Factor , but understands if he needs a break from it this year.
Simon confessed he isn't even thinking about Louis's place on the panel as he is more concerned about him as a close friend.
He told The Sun : "If he said to me, I am taking time off I would respect that. He’s a great judge, by the way. He worked so hard for it.
Simon Cowell explains real reason behind X Factor's 'celebrity' shake-up
"What he has gone through, you don’t even think about work, you just think about how you’re going to be there for him as his friend."
Louis returned to work last week , heading back into the studio to work on his solo music.
And he made sure to thank his loyal fans for the support he's been given during an incredibly difficult time.
He said: "Just wanted to thank everyone for their lovely words over the past couple of weeks. Back in the studio today to vocal something I wrote a few months ago. Sending you all loads of love x."
Simon Cowell explains real reason behind X Factor's 'celebrity' shake-up
Félicité died suddenly on March 14, leading Louis to pull out of a scheduled Comic Relief performance just two days later.
Her untimely death came just two years after the death of Louis ' beloved mother Johannah Deakin.
Sources close to Louis described Félicité, who was known as 'Fizzy' to friends, as "a loveable, caring, bright, passionate, popular and beautiful young lady."
