Cheryl Cole's return to The X Factor judging panel looks to be a near certainty after Ladbrokes suspended betting on her making a comeback.
The former Girls Aloud singer had been given odds of 1-4 to return - but speculation that she is poised to once again take her seat on the panel has soared following the bookies' latest move.
Money talks, and it looks like Cheryl’s a certainty along with Cowell to take their seats on the X Factor judging panel this year," said Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Bridge.
The move comes after suggestions that Cheryl had been negotiating for a particularly special deal before agreeing to rejoin the show.
"She’s requested the biggest dressing room at the Fountain Studios. It used to be Simon’s personal quarters but since he’s been in the US, celebrity performers have used it," a source told Star magazine.
“Cheryl’s also insisted her pay would have to be much ore than she used to get, and she doesn’t want to be tied to a heavy schedule – she doesn’t want the show to take over her life, like it did in the past."
A question mark currently hangs over the future of the X Factor panel, following Gary Barlow and Sharon Osbourne's depatures from the show.
Simon Cowell is strongly rumoured to be returning, while Nicole Scherzinger has yet to confirm or deny whether she will be back.
Meanwhile Louis Walsh announced he would be leaving at the end of the most recent series - but has since indicated he might change his mind.
