Cheryl Cole will only return to ‘The X Factor’ if she is the only woman on the panel.
The pop princess has allegedly told ITV bosses she will only reprise her role on the judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and a mystery fourth mentor if she is the sole female.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "If Cheryl does come back as planned, she will be the only woman on the panel. That’s how she wanted it and at this moment she seems to be calling the shots.
"They’re still finalising the other details but Cheryl made it clear she didn’t want to be pitched against another female again."
The Girls Aloud singer is rumoured to be in final talks with Simon and is expected to return to the UK show for the first time since 2010.
She famously fell out with the music boss in 2011 when he unceremoniously axed her from the US version, but the pair met up in Los Angeles earlier this month to negotiate a deal, said to be worth £2 million.
Sources also say Olly Murs, one of the most successful ‘X Factor’ veterans ever, is likely to replace Gary Barlow on the panel, although Simon is now apparently toying with the idea of signing up superstar Lionel Richie.
The insider added: "Olly is practically a surefire bet. But Simon could also surprise everyone by signing up legend Lionel.
"They’re pals and last year’s contestants even moved into the crooner’s old house for the duration of the show."
Cheryl Cole to be only woman on X Factor panel?
