Nicole Scherzinger at The X Factor auditions

Nicole Scherzinger at The X Factor auditions

Nicole Scherzinger is "honoured" to sit alongside Sharon Osbourne on the 'X Factor' panel.

The 35-year-old singer says the 60-year-old star - who was originally a judge on the programme between 2004 and 2007 - has been "so much fun" since she returned to the ITV talent show, and expects plenty of wild antics from Sharon in the new series.

She told BANG Showbiz: "She's crazy - she's so much fun. It's an honour to be on the panel with her. She's as real as it gets."

While Nicole is delighted about Sharon's appointment, she was sad to see Tulisa depart the programme and remains in contact with the N-Dubz singer.

She added: "It was her choice as well as I'm happy for her and I always wish her the best. Me and Tulisa still keep in touch. But Mrs.O has been great."

As well as Tulisa, Nicole also regularly contacts James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas and Rylan Clark - her three contestants in the Boys category last year - and she has even started making music with last year's winner James.

She explained: "I've stayed in touch with James, Jahmene and Rylan. I just wrote with James in the studio.

"I saw Jahmene on my birthday. He gave me the best birthday gifts. All these amazing gifts. The most thoughtful, beautiful, artistic gifts ever. He's just my angel."

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