'She's keen to come back': Simon Cowell insists Cheryl would love to make X Factor return in 2018 as he considers boosting the panel to FIVE judges

Fans went wild when she made an unexpected return to The X Factor in October, helping to choose from the aspiring groups in Judges Houses.

And while Cheryl's appearance was supposed to be a one-off, Simon Cowell has now hinted that the singer would love to return to the panel next year, and that he would like to boots the panel to five judges.

Simon, 58, told The Sun on Sunday that while he loves the panel as it is now, he would be open to bringing Cheryl back for another series, and that the beauty is keen to do so.

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Big comeback: Simon Cowell has hinted that Cheryl is keen to return to the X Factor this year, and that he is considering boosting the panel to five judges

He said: 'Nothing's a done deal and I do like this panel. But the good news is that now more people want to do the show than before. Is Cheryl keen to come back? She is, yes - I guess she is.

'I think I'll go into the New Year and then see how everyone feels. In the past, I've had to beg ­people to do the show, and it wasn't always that easy. 

'People would do it for a ­season, and say, "Right, I'm not coming back." But now it's easier to do the show, it's much more fun. Maybe I'll have five people on the panel.' 

Could she come back? Cheryl (left, here with Simon in 2010) may make the panel a five-piece if she returns while the other judges stay

Could she come back? Cheryl (left, here with Simon in 2010) may make the panel a five-piece if she returns while the other judges stay

'Yes she is': Simon told The Sun on Sunday that Cheryl is keen to return to the panel next year, though nothing is a done deal yet

'Yes she is': Simon told The Sun on Sunday that Cheryl is keen to return to the panel next year, though nothing is a done deal yet

Shake-up: Simon revealed that more stars than ever want to appear on The X Factor panel

Shake-up: Simon revealed that more stars than ever want to appear on The X Factor panel

Cheryl made a sensational return to The X Factor this year to join Simon Cowell at Judges Houses, helping to choose the groups who made it through to the live shows.

While the Crazy Stupid Love songstress kept Mum on rumours of a return to the show, it seemed that a spot had opened up for the star after Nicole Scherzinger hinted she may not be back next year.

The singer previously noted that she 'would love to come back next year' but added that 'ultimately I’m not the one ­writing the cheques'. 

Guess who's back! Fans went wild in October when Cheryl made a sensational return to The X Factor for Judges Houses

Guess who's back! Fans went wild in October when Cheryl made a sensational return to The X Factor for Judges Houses

Dynamic duo: Cheryl has kept Mum on any chance of a return to The X Factor panel, but there could be an opening as Nicole Scherzinger has previously hinted she may not return next year

Dynamic duo: Cheryl has kept Mum on any chance of a return to The X Factor panel, but there could be an opening as Nicole Scherzinger has previously hinted she may not return next year

Nicole sensationally replaced Cheryl as a judge on the ill-fated American version of the show in 2011, with many wondering if the reverse will happen in 2018 for the next season of The X Factor UK.

At the end of Saturday's X Factor show, Nicole's act Kevin was voted off the show, leaving Grace Davies and Rak-Su still in the running to take the crown on Sunday night's last episode.

Representatives for Simon and Cheryl have been contacted for comment. 

Power panel: Simon added that he is very happy with the current panel, but he would love to increase it to five judges

Power panel: Simon added that he is very happy with the current panel, but he would love to increase it to five judges

 

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