That'd be striking Gould(ing)! Simon Cowell 'desperate to sign Ellie up for the X Factor'… but Cheryl gets the final say

By Fay Strang

PUBLISHED: 20:09 EST, 22 March 2014 | UPDATED: 20:41 EST, 22 March 2014

Music mogul Simon Cowell is keen to get Ellie Goulding on this year’s X Factor.

Louis Walsh, who was not expected to be returning to the show himself, told The Sun: ‘I’ve heard Ellie Goulding. I just hope it’s a girl.’

Ellie would be appearing alongside Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole who are both confirmed as returning to the ITV singing contest.

In the running: It's thought Simon Cowell is keen to get Ellie Goulding as a judge on this year's X Factor

In the running: It's thought Simon Cowell is keen to get Ellie Goulding as a judge on this year's X Factor

However the pop star currently has a lot on her plate touring in the US for eight weeks, where is she is already a big star.

 

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The 27-year-old, who recently won Best Female at the Brits, is also thought to be expected to get her third album underway soon.

A source told the paper: ‘There are a lot of people being discussed and the reality is, Louis isn’t involved in finding the fourth judge.

Final say: It is thought that it is up to Cheryl who will join her on the panel

Final say: It is thought that it is up to Cheryl who will join her on the panel

‘Simon has given Cheryl the final sign-off on the new female judge because he wants her to work with someone she gets along with.’

He wants in: Louis is yet to sign on the dotted line but he wants to

He wants in: Louis is yet to sign on the dotted line but he wants to

And it’s been reported by The Sun that the beautiful singer has already put forward a few suggestions including Fergie, from the Black Eyed Peas, songwriter Amanda Ghost and producer Sia Furler.

Speaking about Fergie taking part in the show, a source told the Mail On Sunday: 'Fergie is aware she’s being lined up. She and Simon will have to announce the decision by mid-May.'

Louis meanwhile admitted to the paper that he is yet to sign a contract but wouldn’t hesitate to do so if asked.

It seems Cheryl is planning on taking control in more ways than one  and since returning to the panel with a reported pay-cheque of a staggering £1.5million, she is said to be keen to shake up the format of the talent series.

The Geordie star believes judges ‘should mentor one girl, one boy, a group and one person from the overs category’.

After officially being unveiled as a judge a couple of weeks ago, Cheryl - who appeared on the panel from 2008 to 2010 - joked that she agreed to return to The X Factor because of Simon's continual begging.

Speaking on ITV1's Daybreak, Cheryl said: 'There's only so much begging one can take. It's not nice to see a grown man cry, so I finally succumbed.’

A spokesperson for Ellie has been contacted for comment. 

Keen: Cheryl apparently wants her good pal and Black Eyed Peas star Fergie to join her

Keen: Cheryl apparently wants her good pal and Black Eyed Peas star Fergie to join her

Comments (4)

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So Cheryl gets the final say on SIMON's show? Interesting.

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Cowell needs to see the obvious. The x factor has had its day.

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i hope ellie rejects!

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Oh God no!! Something about her I can't stand

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