Simon Cowell is reportedly hoping he can bag a performance from Cheryl on the new series of The X Factor later this year.
But it seems the show’s boss Simon isn’t the only one determined to sign the singer up.
According to The Sun, Simon is going head-to-head with Strictly Come Dancing bosses to ensure he draws in millions of extra viewers.
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A source told the outlet: “There’s a massive race on for who can land Cheryl to perform her new material.
“Simon is doing everything in his power to make sure they box her off — it would be a massive embarrassment if Strictly got her with an offer she can’t refuse.”
The person added: “He’s told her he will throw his weight behind her new album 100 per cent regardless, as they are mates, but he expects her to show her loyalty by choosing X Factor.”
ED! has contacted Simon’s rep for comment.
Earlier this year, Cheryl revealed she has been working on new music with former Girls Aloud co-star Nicola Roberts and record producer Naughty Boy, her first since her last album Only Human in 2014.
The 35-year-old had taken a step back from the spotlight over the past year after welcoming her son Bear with One Direction star Liam Payne, from whom she recently split.
Speaking to The Sun this month, Cheryl said her upcoming album is “pretty much finished”.
She said: “Nicola and I wrote every track together. It’s been great working with one of my best friends, but I’m really proud of the album and excited for people to hear the new music.
“It’s pretty much finished. At this stage we’re deciding what will be the first single. We’re choosing between about three songs, but that’s quite a nice problem to have.
“Thankfully I’m not looking at it, saying, ‘Oh God, all this work and we don’t have a hit record’. I think we do.”
Meanwhile, The X Factor is set to return later this year with a brand new judging panel.
It was announced that Robbie Williams, his wife Ayda Field and One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson will be joining the panel alongside Simon.
Speaking about the new panel, Simon said during an X Factor press conference this month: “This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star.
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“The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I’m excited.”
X Factor returns to ITV this autumn.
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