Cole ‘excited’ at ‘X-Factor’ return

Cheryl Cole is returning to The X Factor after four years to revive her on-screen partnership with show boss Simon Cowell.

The singer said she was “happy and excited” to be back with the talent search show, which has seen a massive slump in its audience since she bowed out.

Cole — who has now buried the hatchet with Cowell after she was dumped from a US version of the series before it was even broadcast — is reported to have signed a deal for £1.5m (€1.2m).