Looks like this much loved judge is set to return to X Factor next year

Right now, it's all about X Factor 2017.

Or, at least, some things are about X Factor 2017. For the past few years, the talent show has struggled to garner the same popularity and audience loyalty as the likes of Strictly Come Dancing.  Its ratings have been slipping, it's constantly being called a fix, the acts don't do anything worthwhile afterwards and tend to get dropped by Simon's label approximately six months after they sign. It's a bit of a mess really, and yet, the X Factor trundles on, introducing twists, shock eliminations, new judges, old judges, and a fancy new studio. Now, however, reports have suggested that producers are going even further to ensure that the show remains in a prime Saturday night slot next year. And to do that, they're planning on bringing back none other than Cheryl as a judge. And she does not come cheap. The Sun has reported that seeing as Nicole Scherzinger is likely to leave the show after this year's series, Simon decided he needed a bit of "glamour" on the panel. And he's willing to fork out £1.5 million to get it. A source told the publication:

“It looks like Cheryl will be back next year. Simon knows Nicole is likely to leave and he wants a big name, and some much-needed glamour on the panel. “He knows he will get that with Cheryl and she would be a really popular signing and a huge hit. “Simon has had his own problems lately but has been really keen to get the deal nailed down."

And seeing as Cheryl herself made a guest appearance at Simon's judge's house just a few weeks back, it's not at all surprising that the singer and new mum would be interested in returning to the programme. We just hope she manages to get those ratings up.