Rumours have been flying that X Factor boss Simon Cowell is desperate for Cheryl to return as he thinks Nicole Scherzinger wants to leave.
But it seems like the gossip mill may have got it wrong, as feisty Nicole, 39, has insisted she has NO plans to go anywhere!
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, the ex Pussycat Doll shunned the suggestion she’s on the verge of quitting and even said X Factor bosses have already invited her back for the new year.
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“I’d love to come back if y’all would have me back. They have asked me back so hopefully everything will work out,” she said.
“When I commit to The X Factor I put 1000 per cent into it, so all of my energy, I don’t get to do music or be in the studio which is my heart, all of my energy goes into the contestants.”
Nicole added: “I’m just focusing on this year, not messing up and hopefully having another winner.”
Nicole said that although she’s totally focused on X Factor right now, she is working on music and fans should keep their eyes out for a new release next year.
“I can’t confirm anything but I am working on stuff and music so next year,” she said.
“You’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
The popstar also gave an update on boss Simon, who was forced to miss the first X Factor live show of the series after falling down the stairs at his London home.
She said: “He is back, fighting and feistier than ever. Back with a bite. We missed him. He adds a lot to the show.”
Nicole’s declaration she wants an X Factor return could mean we WON’T be seeing Cheryl on screen again any time soon.
It had been widely rumoured Cheryl was in the running for an X Factor return after joining Simon as his guest mentor at judges’ houses this series.
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A source had told The Sun: “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 was a judge from 2008 until 2010 and 2014 to 2015.
Simon and Nicole currently judge alongside Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.
The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturday, November 11 at 9.40pm on ITV