The Chronicle

It’s the Cheryl v Nicole show

WHO HAS GOT THE X FACTOR..?

- By SONIA SHARMA Reporter sonia.sharma@trinitymir­ror.com

IN the red corner we have Cheryl; in the blue corner, Nicole Sherzinger, and they are going to have to battle it out to secure a spot on the X Factor judging panel next year.

Ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole, 39, had previously hinted she was going to bow out of judging duties next year to focus on her music career, and former Girls Aloud star Cheryl has been seen as the obvious replacemen­t.

In September, Nicole – who is the only judge not to sign up for next year’s series – revealed she will be heading back to the studio in December after a three-year hiatus, saying: “If I don’t come back it’s not because I don’t love it.”

She added: “It’s because I’m a singer first. Every artist needs that time out to reflect.”

However, it’s believed the star is now keen to return – meaning the pair will be going head-to-head to secure a place on the series.

According to the Daily Star, during an upcoming appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Nicole told Ross: “I would love to come back if you would have me.

“Simon...they have asked me back so hopefully everything will work out.”

But Cheryl, who joined Simon Cowell at the judges’ houses on the current series of the ITV talent show, is rumoured to be close to signing a £1.5m deal to help revive the show, The Sun previously reported.

A show source told the publicatio­n: “It looks like Cheryl will be back next year. Simon knows Nicole is likely to leave and he wants a big name, and some much-needed glamour on the panel.

“He knows he will get that with Cheryl and she would be a really popular signing and a huge hit.”

Cheryl’s boyfriend Liam Payne also recently said his girlfriend is in talks to make her big comeback in a full-time position next year.

“Cheryl and Simon spoke about her going back next year. Obviously Simon is desperate to get her back,” he said.

However, a source added to the Daily Star: “Everyone is focusing on this series of The X Factor with no decisions being made for the 2018 panel until next year.”

Representa­tives of The X Factor, Nicole and Cheryl have been contacted for a comment.

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