Cheryl Tweedy is in talks for a £1.5 million deal to return to ‘The X Factor’.
The 34-year-old singer has had a string of meetings with Simon Cowell – who she recently helped at Judge’s Houses – about getting her place back on the panel as Nicole Scherzinger isn’t expected to be back next year.
A source said: "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.
"Simon has had his own problems lately but has been really keen to get the deal nailed down.
"He is a huge fan of hers and has been turning on the charm to ensure she comes back.
"They have had several meetings about it and Simon has had his top people on the case to make sure it is all sorted…
"Simon and Cheryl are both happy with the deal and they hope the fans will share their feelings. He is cock-a-hoop and thinks she will be great."
And long-term panelist Louis Walsh, 65, is also keen to see the ‘Only Human’ singer – who has son Bear, seven months, with boyfriend Liam Payne – back on the panel alongside himself, Sharon Osbourne, 65, and 58-year-old Simon.
The insider added to The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Louis was a huge factor in this. He wants Cheryl back as well and agrees getting her would be a massive coup.
"It is also clear that they need someone younger on the panel when Nicole leaves.
"And Cheryl will bring in a more youthful audience, as well as attracting blokes to watch the show."
Nicole is the only judge to have not yet signed up for next year and put her future on the programme in doubt when she recently admitted she is "incredibly ambitious and still have a lot of things musically I want to achieve".
Cheryl first appeared on the show in 2008 but quit in 2011 for a short-lived stint on the US version of the programme. She then returned for two seasons in 2014 and 2015.
Cheryl Tweedy in X Factor talks
