After a long break, Cheryl Cole will return to X Factor this year to help Gary Barlow narrow down the groups’ category.
The ‘Call my Name’ singer insisted that the return has nothing to do with Simon Cowell who famously sacked Cheryl from the US version of the show last year.
Cheeky Simon wrote to the Geordie singer on Twitter yesterday and welcomed her back to the show.
However, Cheryl hit out at Simon and revealed that she is returning to support her friend Gary and not to please the infamous meanie or to boost the show’s dwindling ratings.
Cheryl will return to X Factor for Gary and not for Simon Cowell
“I saw Simon’s tweet. I’m not doing this for him. I’m doing this for Gary as he’s my friend and he asked me to do it,” she said.
Although Cheryl denied that there is bad blood between she and Simon on The Graham Norton Show earlier this year, it is clear that she has not forgiven the music mogul for sacking her from X Factor USA in favour of Nicole Scherzinger.
Cheryl and Gary will remain in Britain to film the judges’ houses scenes and will be filming in Northhampshire.
Gary thanked Cheryl for joining him after his friend Robbie Williams pulled out at the last minute.
“Thank you @Cherylcole for all of your help this weekend.
“The contestants and I loved having you there xxx.”
Cheryl and Gary perform at the Diamond Jubliee earlier this year
Although Robbie did not help Gary whittle down the groups it is believed that he will still have a large part in X Factor in the upcoming months.
A source told The Sun: “Robbie will still have a role to play and an important one at that.
“Gary hasn’t snubbed him, quite the opposite.
“Robbie will be working with the guys during the live shows to help them work on stage presence and vocal performance.
Robbie messes around on last year’s X Factor
“He had a blast on the show last year when he was Gary’s side kick at the Los Angeles judges’ houses round and wants back in.
We can’t deny that Cheryl is a worthy replacement but we must admit we’ll miss Robbie and his antics during the judge’s house scenes this year.
