The popular singer is being lined up to help Simon Cowell at the Judges Houses stage next month.
And if ITV executives get their way her One Direction boyfriend Liam Payne will join her. According to XF sources both Simon and ITV bosses believe Cheryl is the right person to help him pick the finalists from his Girls category.
And it is obvious to King Cowell, ITV and everyone involved with the show that getting Liam to appear by her side would be a huge coup for the singing contest.
My insider said: “Both Cowell and ITV bosses are in agreement Cheryl would be the perfect person to help him pick his finalists. “Everyone knows how well Cheryl and Simon work together on and off screen.
“Cheryl also has a proven track history mentoring the girls as a judge, she’s still incredibly popular with fans and it would keep her within the X Factor family despite her quitting. “Not only that but Simon wants to win this year and he really respects Cheryl’s opinion when it comes to finding a star.
“Simon also has a lot of respect for Liam, who many saw as the business brain behind One Direction.
“While signing both Cheryl and Liam together would obviously be a ratings stunt – it doesn’t take away from the fact that they are both hugely qualified to help.”
According to officials the line-up for this year’s Judges Houses has not yet been confirmed and no approach has been made to Cheryl’s team.
I’m told it is unlikely Cheryl and Liam would agree to appear together but I’d put money on Simon persuading the former judge to join him.
He has already promised the Geordie babe a performing slot on the live shows if she has a new single out.
My source added: “Simon is feeling really upbeat about this year’s X Factor. “He’s thrilled to have Dermot O’Leary back presenting. He’s also delighted with his panel of Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.
“Getting Cheryl to help him at Judges Houses would be the icing on the cake.” Chezza quit her judging job after last year’s final but a cameo comeback wouldn’t be all that much of a surprise. She has already helped out at Judges Houses back in 2012 when she joined Gary Barlow
YOU’D think having Kate Moss, Jon Hamm, Rebel Wilson and another 60 or so celeb cameos in the Ab Fab movie would have cost Jennifer Saunders a small fortune. But luckily for Jen and Co some of them appeared for free because they are such huge fans of the cult BBC comedy.
While others, like supermodel Kate and Hollywood star Rebel, agreed to take huge pay cuts to make their roles possible.
A film source said: “If everyone had asked for their full rate the film wouldn’t have been possible so many appeared for free or just a token wage.”
One of those was BGT judge Alesha Dixon, who told me: “I got paid but I’m such a huge fan I would have done it for free. “Most people just did it because they wanted to be in it.”
Talking about her part, Alesha added: “It was one day of fi lming, I was scheduled for two but unfortunately couldn’t do the second day which I was gutted about. “I’m just thrilled I got my little head in there somewhere, even if you blink and miss me.”
The film has already taken over £10million at the UK box office – surpassing the £8m budget. So I’m guessing celebs will be upping their hourly rate for the sequel which Jennifer has now promised.
FORMER Britain’s Got Talent singer Calum Scott is hoping to be one of Simon Cowell’s biggest regrets.
The Hull lad wasn’t offered a record deal by Cowell’s label Syco despite being the judge’s Golden Buzzer act on last year’s show. His cover of Robyn’s 2010 hit Dancing On My Own is currently in the top five after becoming a social media hit, despite little airplay.
Simon is now fuming Calum is having international success after signing with rival Virgin EMI. Calum told me: “I’m sure he’s not losing sleep over it. “But I would like to think Simon is sat wishing he had signed me.
“There was a part of me that thought I was Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer so I would get a call – but nothing came.
“It was a low point after the final. I thought I had missed out on my chance and did get down for a while.” Calum’s single is proving an iTunes hit across the world. He’s working with writers behind Jake Bugg, Jess Glynne and James Bay on his debut album, which he hopes to have out early next year.
He added: “I’m eternally grateful to Simon. I hope I meet him again so I can thank him for changing my life.” Expect Calum to challenge for this week’s No.1 spot.
AMY Childs left little to the imagination as she partied hard with her Essex pals. The former TOWIE babe fl aunted her ample assets on a night out at Brentwood’s Sugar Hut. The cast of telly hit Love Island were hosting a second closing party and Amy wore a skimpy white top as she entered the club with a friend.
Runner-up Olivia Buckland was also at the glitzy bash in Essex. The sales executive showed off her sexy figure in a tight dress. She came second on the ITV reality show with male model Alex Bowen. Other Essex stars, including Joey Essex and brunette beauty Chloe Lewis, were spotted making their way to the popular venue.
JOE Swash reckons Jungle Queen Vicky Pattison will replace Laura Whitmore as the host of this year’s I’m A Celeb spin-off.
The ITV2 presenter revealed show bosses plan to revamp the format following Laura’s decision to quit. And he thinks bringing in former Geordie Shore lass Vicky, who won last year’s contest and can be seen, right, promoting her VIP By Vicky collection at Honeyz.com, is top of their agenda.
Joe said: “All I know is they are planning to change the format a little now Laura’s left. “I don’t know who will be replacing her but I’ve heard a lot of people are saying it will be Vicky and I think she would be great.
“She’s obviously Queen of the Jungle, so the audience loves her. “She has a great personality and I think she would do really well. I can’t imagine Vicky turning the job down.”
Joe, who is dating former X Factor star Stacey Solomon, is not as keen on Vicky’s Loose Women co-star Katie Price signing up though. He added: “I’ve heard Katie Price has thrown her name into the hat and she obviously has jungle links but I’m not sure if she is the right fi t.” Joe was chatting at Champneys Spa Hotel’s afternoon tea collaboration with Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain.
