Speculation over Cheryl Cole's possible return to The X Factor has mounted still further after it was reported that her comeback is a 'done deal'.
According to the Mail On Sunday the Girls aloud singer has changed her mind about never returning to the show, and will sign a contract in the spring, at the same time as Simon Cowell also confirms he will be back.
"The contracts for the show will be drawn up and negotiated in March," a source told the paper, "but the plan is very much to bring back Cheryl.
"Simon and Cheryl had fantastic onscreen chemistry. It makes perfect sense to put them back onscreen together. Everyone involved is very excited by the prospect.
The mogul has previously described Cheryl as a 'really, really good judge', adding: "She took what she did seriously. She used to phone me almost every night, talking about songs and what she should be doing.
"That's the kind of judge you want to be working with on these shows because they really care. I hope we're going to get the chance to work together."
Cheryl previously left The X Factor in 2010 to join Simon on the panel of the US version of the show, but she was axed after just four days of filming and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger.
The future of the show's panel remains up in the air after Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne all announced they would not be returning in 2014.
Meanwhile a question mark hangs over Nicole Scherzinger's involvement, with some sources saying she plans to quit to concentrate on her new clothing range.
Reports have suggested Dannii Minogue might also be about to return to the panel, while Louis has indicated he may change his mind and return to the series if Simon comes back.
Rita Ora and Robbie Williams have also been tipped as possible replacements for the departing judges.
