Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Mel B seem to be working better as a double act each week on The X Factor - and show bosses must be pleased with them if today's tabloid rumours are true.

The Mirror reports that Chezza is being offered a whopping £2m to return to the panel next year, with producers keen to team her up with new arrival Mel B again.

She was apparently on £1.4m for this year's series, but the paper quotes insiders as saying that both women can expect a big raise for 2015.

A mole said: "Normally negotiations don't start until after a series has finished, but it's clear the two girls have been popular and are both keen to stay on next year.

"Obviously they have successful singing careers of their own too though which are going from strength to strength at the moment, so they are in line for a pay boost to keep them both on board.

"Their chemistry has been great from the very beginning and they've both made it clear that they'd like to keep that pairing going – which suits producers too.

"There are going to be more serious discussions over the coming weeks and hopefully a deal will be finalised early next year – but it's only a case of ironing out the details."

Mel B revealed to Alan Carr that she and Chezza's chats during the live shows are X-rated.