Cheryl WILL return to X Factor as host Dermot O'Leary confirms

CHERYL will return to the new series of The X Factor, host Dermot O'Leary has claimed.

By Jack Wetherill /

X Factor Cheryl Dermot O'Leary ITV

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The host has revealed the judging panel will be undergoing a few changes soon.

Last year's series saw Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger take seats at the panel.

But Dermot has hinted one of the four won't be returning after saying: "Cheryl's going to come back."

The Call My Name singer hasn't been on the panel since 2015 but did return last year to join Simon at Judges' Houses.

Cheryl, 34, has been busy with her and boyfriend Liam Payne's nine-month-old son Bear.

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    “Cheryl's going to come back”

    Dermot O'Leary

    And if this isn't her year, Dermot added to the Metro: "If it wasn't Cheryl, I would love Mariah [Carey].

    "It would be a whole new world of crazy."

    Nicole is the only judge who hasn't yet confirmed she'll return to X Factor 2018, meaning Cheryl could be set to replace her.

    The Pussycat Dolls singer recently slammed Simon's decision making, labelling him "so f***ing last minute".

    She added to the Sunday Mirror: "We know in the same month that he announces it. We'll see what happens."

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      There were reports recently that when it came to her comeback.

      A source told Closer magazine: "She called Simon and said she wasn't sure she could return to the show if Louis or Sinitta were hired.

      "Simon now feels stuck in the middle and he said her X Factor role could be in jeopardy.

      "Cheryl used to be able to pull all the strings with Simon but that sparkle has fizzled out."

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        The former Girls Aloud star sat on the judging panel between 2008 and 2010 and again in 2014 and 2015.

        Last year's series was won by Simon Cowell and his group Rak-Su, beating Grace Davies in the final.

        The X Factor will make a return later this year on ITV.