She's Back! Cheryl Cole Confirms X Factor Return!

Cheryl Cole confirmed her return to The X Factor judging panel last night (March 10) after reportedly signing a deal worth £1.5million.

After months of speculation, the gorgeous Geordie took to Instagram to share a snap of herself and Simon Cowell, which sees Chezza with her hands around his throat.

She then accompanied the pic with the caption: "GUESS WHAT!!... I'm baaaacccckkkkk!!!!", before adding the hashtags #iMayActuallyRingHisNeck #XFactor2014 #leggooo.

Cheryl later said in a statement: "I’m very happy and excited to be returning to The X Factor. I’m inspired and ready to find new talent and potential pop stars. It’s going to be a fun series.”

Cowell could hardly contain his excitement on Twitter, also confirming the news: "It's official. Cheryl is back. Be careful what you wish for", before writing: "Most importantly she is a brilliant judge of talent."

It's official. Cheryl is back.

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) March 10, 2014

SiCo later added: "I am so happy that Cheryl has agreed to join The X Factor again. The last time we worked together in the UK was incredible and produced some really successful artists. Obviously the plan is to do the same again… so it's back to work!"

Elaine Bedell, ITV’s director of comedy and entertainment, said: "We're thrilled to be announcing Cheryl's return to The X Factor panel - she was an extremely popular judge who struck a real chord with our viewers, and we're looking forward to welcoming her back on screen this autumn."
 
Richard Holloway, managing director Thames TV, said: "I’m delighted to welcome Cheryl back to the show. She has the unique experience of having started out on a show like this and she is also one of the only people who knows how to get the better of Simon. Having them both reunited on the panel will make for a great series this year.”

According to The Sun, Cole and SiCo have been in months of negotiations - which ended with the Girls Aloud star being handed Gary Barlow's old mega-deal, making her the second highest-paid panelist other than SiCo.

Following her sacking from The X Factor USA in 2011, Chez and Simon have had a rocky relationship - with the 30-year old babe previously revealing they are now "frenemies".

Discussing Cheryl's decision to return to the ITV show, a friend told the tabloid: "Simon has been begging her to go back for years. But only now is the time right. She feels like a different person to the last time she was on the show - she can finally be happy.

"This is nothing to do with the money. She loves the show and has unfinished business. Cheryl has been offered all sorts of ridiculous money to go back before. She'd never do something because of the money - she's doing this because it feels right."

Cole first appeared on the XF between 2008 to 2010, with the pal adding she is in a "different place" after her disastrous stint on the US series.

They claimed: "She's happy and contented and confident. The last time she was on the show she was recovering from the very public breakdown of her marriage - and was also trying to get back on her feet after having malaria. This is a new era. She's happily single and loving her work."

However, while bosses hope Chezza return will "revitalise" the talent show, The Sun adds that the Call My Name singer has only signed a one-year deal.

Cheryl's 'pal' explained: "She's very excited but doesn't want X Factor to completely take over her life again. Her new album is virtually finished and she has a great new single she'll release this summer."

With Chezza and SiCo now announced, and Louis Walsh expected to make his return to the panel, the rumour mill has now been forced into action over who will be the fourth judge.

With Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger recently quitting the show, former contestant Olly Murs is the red hot favourite to take the final seat, while Rita Ora and ex-panelist Dannii Minogue have already ruled themselves out.

However, The Sun's source added: "Having Cheryl on board makes the fourth spot much more desirable."

Watch this space...