It’s no surprise that X Factor mogul Simon Cowell has a soft spot for judge Nicole Scherzinger, given that he exported her from X Factor USA to the UK version, where she took over the role of head judge from Simon’s nemesis, Gary Barlow…

And it seems that Simon’s faith in Nicole has been rewarded as the show’s production team have branded her “a revelation” as a judge. So again, no surprise in learning that he wants Nicole back next year.

A show insider told The Sun, “It is fair to say that Simon and the production team have been thrilled with Nicole’s performance. She has been absolutely great.

“Simon is a huge fan of hers and the production team think she has been a revelation.

“There won’t be any decision on the make-up of the 2013 panel until next year but she has certainly made a good impression…

“Simon is really up for her coming back.”

However, it seems Simon – and the show’s London team – are less keen for Tulisa to return next year, given that she’s been turning up late to the show’s studios in Wembley, and has waged a very public war on Twitter against pretty much everyone who says something she doesn’t like.

Gary Barlow’s position as judge is also tenuous as he may not be invited back next year, and the paper says that even Louis Walsh is in danger of being ditched from the show next year in a bid to “freshen up” the panel.

Tsk...Tsk...Tsk...
Last time, he said "No nicole" Now

Of course!

The Queen of X-Factor who currently brings in the highest ratings!

Oh really?

Tulisa needs to be axed please.

She is literally the only good judge there. I don't know how that happened, I used to despise her - now I love her.

Takes-himself-too-seriously monotone Gary and miserable Tulisa need to go.

Fake bye. But I wonder what shes going to do for Simon this time if she wants this job next year, surely in return shes given him every job imaginable by now.

The Sun is basically Syco's PR outlet...probably direct from his PR team.

Is this a joke? The ratings have gone down horribly this year. Ashley Roberts is drawing more viewers over on Im A Celeb. After reading Cheryls book, a lot of people have gone off her. And i'm not surprised.

The US version is pathetic and nothing can save it from being abysmal each week. Nicole has also admitted on Twitter that she finds the UK show more "fun" - and you can really tell this, by the fact that's she is enjoying herself a lot more now. She fits the British format perfectly. Going back to the US would be a serious downgrade and I have doubts she would consider.

the UK X Factor ratings have gone down though.

This is about the UK version. At this point the UK version is just as bad.

I'm gonna need you all to stop being hypocrites. If this article said Simon doesn't want her, you'd all have no problem taking it as the bible.

No, The Sun isn't the most credible source but this isn't really far-fetched as Nicole is clearly the best thing about the UK show right now.

She is amazing as a judge but I really want her to focus on her music in 2013, and with The XF, it won't be possible.

and it's gone down because of Nicole?

Nope. Because having a judge with a oral sex tape and acts like Rylan turn the GP off.

LOL @ some of the members getting ahead of themselves and not reading properly.

Anyway, this is from the Sun so I don't know how reliable this is but I would personally like to see ALL judges return next year. It's a great panel, I used to hate Nicole on the US version but love her on our one.