X Factor may see FIVE judges next year with Cheryl returning

Cheryl could be set to re-join The X Factor, becoming a fifth judge.

Show boss Simon Cowell has teased a potential mega line up for next year’s panel.

In a new interview, the music mogul confirmed rumours that Cheryl has been in talks for a comeback but insisted nothing was official just yet.

“Nothing’s a done deal and I do like this panel. But the good news is that now more people want to do the show than before,” Simon said. “Is Cheryl keen to come back? She is, yes — I guess she is.”

Simon told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “In the past I’ve had to beg ­people to do the show, and it wasn’t always that easy. People would do it for a ­season, and say, ‘Right, I’m not coming back.’

“But now it’s easier to do the show, it’s much more fun.

“Maybe I’ll have five people on the panel.”

It was claimed earlier in 2017 that Cheryl was being lined up for what would be her third stint behind the judges’ desk next autumn.

Cheryl first joined the show in 2008 before leaving in 2011 for the American version. The new mum then returned in 2014 before departing again last year.

A source said earlier this year that Cheryl was already in talks to sign a £1.5 million deal to replace Nicole.

But Nicole has denied reports suggesting she was about to quit, saying this week: “I think it’s probably in the bag that I’m going to be back next year.

“I love my job and I love my X Factor family.”

She told OK! Magazine: “We’ve had a lot of fun this year.

“And I love the UK, it would feel weird for me not to be back here. It’s my other home.”

For now, The X Factor’s latest series concluded on Sunday night as Rak-Su were named the winners.

The fifteenth series will air next year.