Nicole Scherzinger is set to return to 'The X Factor'.
Nicole Scherzinger
The former Pussycat Dolls singer sat on the judging panel in 2012 and 2013 and is now expected to reclaim her seat alongside show boss Simon Cowell following the recent sudden departure of last year's winning mentor Rita Ora.
A source told the MailOnline: "Rita had been in discussions [to return] but it became apparent she was no longer the automatic top option. Nicole Scherzinger was a huge success whens she was on the 'X Factor' a few years ago and has long been part of the 'X Factor' family. She provided fun and entertainment and a huge personality to the show. She is the definite favourite to get the seat next to Simon."
And it seems the 37-year-old beauty isn't the only familiar face being brought back as Simon, 56, is also keen to bag Louis Walsh, who was dropped last year, and Sharon Osbourne when the show returns to screens later this year.
The future of the programme currently hangs in the balance after Rita, 25, announced she was stepping down following just one series as a mentor, despite the fact she had stormed to success with her winning act Louisa Johnson.
Her shock exit comes just months after Cheryl and DJ Nick Grimshaw also decided to turn their backs on the show.
The former Girls Aloud singer - who first joined the show in 2008 before leaving in 2010 and returning in 2014 for another two years - broke hearts across the nation in March when she confirmed she will be hanging up her judging hat for the foreseeable future to focus on her relationship with One Direction heartthrob Liam Payne and her music career.
And the radio presenter - who joined the show for just one series - decided he wanted his takeaway weekends back.
Tagged in The X Factor Simon Cowell Nicole Scherzinger Rita Ora