Cheryl Cole is reportedly worried that Nicole Scherzinger could be given her seat on the X Factor judging panel permanently.
The 3 Words singer, who was forced to miss the boot camp phase of the competition after contracting malaria allegedly wanted Girls Aloud member and close friend Kimberley Walsh to stand in for her, but Nicole was chosen instead.
SEE CHERYL COLE'S SOLO JOURNEY IN PICTURES HERE
Now, Chezza fears that the Pussycat Dolls star was such a hit on the panel, she could lose her job altogether.
A source told heat magazine: "She wanted to help her close friend get more airtime and thought she'd be a perfect stand-in."
They continued: "She also knew Kimberley would keep her seat warm until she was better. Now, she's terrified Nicole will replace her permanently."
Cheryl is said to be so concerned that Scherzinger will replace her that she is determined to return to the show as soon as possible, with some reports suggesting she be back as early as this Friday.
SEE GORGEOUS PICTURES OF CHERYL COLE IN OUR GALLERY HERE!
Another insider claimed: "They're trying to get her to calm down and get better - they don't want her to rush back to work, in case it makes her worse,"
The Fight For This Love hit maker is also said to be worried about Nicole's close friendship with her new beau Derek Hough - who Scherzinger recently won US TV show Dancing With The Stars partnered with.
The source explained: "Nicole's still very much a part of Derek's life, but it's tough for Cheryl. She's keen to get better and get back to work, and wants her territory back."
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