Cheryl ‘ruled out’ of X Factor return as Rita Ora is rumoured for a comeback

Cheryl has reportedly been ruled out of a return to The X Factor.

Instead, show boss Simon Cowell is said to be looking to get Rita Ora back on the show.

According to the latest rumours, Simon Cowell is planning a major revamp of The X Factor judges.

It could see Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne ALL leaving.

While Cheryl has been widely rumoured to be returning, she’s now said to be focused on new BBC One series The Greatest Dancer.

Announced last month, The Greatest Dancer is made by Simon’s Syco company and the producers of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

Cheryl took part in a pilot episode and is now tipped to take up a role on the new show instead of The X Factor.

A source told The Sun newspaper today: “Cheryl loves X Factor but she enjoyed filming the pilot for new ­BBC ­programme and loved it. The show feels fresh and because it’s a new ­format she is excited by that.

“Dance has always been a passion for her so it feels right for her.”

With Cheryl seemingly out of the picture, 2015 judge Rita has been touted for a possible return.

Cheryl and Rita’s fellow cormer judge Dannii Minogue, plus current Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon have also been rumoured as potential ‘new’ judges for 2018.

Craig David, Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey are also said to be considered options.

For now, the rumours continue…

The X Factor 2018 will air on ITV in the autumn.