Cheryl has ruled out returning as a judge on 'X Factor'.

Cheryl

Cheryl

The 34-year-old singer was a judge on the singing competition from 2008 to 2011, then returned for the eleventh and twelfth series, and was hotly tipped to replace Nicole Scherzinger for the upcoming series, after creator Simon Cowell revealed he wants to revamp the show.

However, the Girls Aloud singer recently filmed the pilot for a new BBC dance show, created by Syco and Thames TV, and now she has reportedly ruled out returning to the ITV singing show.

A source told The Sun Online: "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."

The new show will see Diversity star Jordan Banjo hosting the pilot with 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional Oti Mabuse and 'Glee' star Matthew Morrison as mentors to the contestants.

News of Cheryl turning down a return to the 'X Factor' comes just days after Nicole was reported to have been axed from the show.

The former Pussycat Dolls singer - who returned to the panel in 2016 after a three year break from the singing competition - is said to be set to leave the programme as bosses look to give it a huge overhaul with the exits of Louis Walsh and Sharon Obsourne also planned.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Louis and Sharon are both contracted to return this year, but Simon and the producers have lost faith. They were both terrible on the panel last year. Louis has had a great run, but he's advertising hearing aids for God's sake. It's beyond a joke.

"And Sharon couldn't even remember some of her own contestants' names. Nicole was a passionate judge but has no contract and won't be back this year in order to bring in fresh blood."

It has been suggested that Louis' recent ad campaign for hearing aids could be part of the decision as Simon Cowell's show searches for young, relevant musicians to transform into stars.

The source added: "Louis and Simon remain great friends and it's not a simple decision to let him go. But serious eyebrows were raised when Louis went public with his hearing loss in a Specsavers campaign about hearing aids.

"It obviously raises the question about whether he's a suitable judge for a show that aims to find young pop stars."

However, it's not yet a given that Louis and Sharon will miss the next series, as they are both still contracted to appear.

The insider explained: "There are no plans for Nicole to return to 'The X Factor' this year. Other announcements about the ­judging line-up will be made in due course.

"It is possible either Sharon or Louis could still return because both have contracts."

Tagged in