The latest of many judge switch-up reports
Cheryl Cole has constantly denied reports she is returning to The X Factor‘s judging panel, but yet more speculation today suggests she will replace Tulisa on next year’s show.
The N-Dubz singer is reported by The Sunday Mirror to be at risk of being bumped off if the Girls Aloud hitmaker accepts her old boss’ offer of a comeback.
Simon Cowell allegedly believes that the ‘Call My Name’ star will be a “dream team” when coupled with the eccentric Nicole Scherzinger, who has proven to be a surprisingly popular addition to the panel this year.
However, a spokesperson tells us: “We are currently focused on this series and no-one is even thinking or talking about next year and who may or may not be on the panel.”
A source had told the tabloid: “Simon sees Cheryl and Nicole as the dream team. He believes those two women on the show would pull in viewers and make it so much more appealing than the current series.
“Simon thinks people would watch it in their droves so he is currently lining up an audacious bid to offer her.”
They continued: “He knows Cheryl won’t be cheap but more importantly he knows he needs to offer her the right role.
“She has resisted going back despite him offering Cheryl the UK X Factor after the US situation went wrong.”
It is also apparently considered highly likely that Gary Barlow will quit the show.
“The current view is he won’t return to the show next year,” claimed the insider. “Probably through his choice rather than Simon’s.”