Nicole Scherzinger hints she won’t return to The X Factor

Nicole Scherzinger has dropped further hints that she might not return to The X Factor next year by confessing she needs some ‘time out’.

The Pussycat Dolls star, who is the only judge not confirmed for the 2018 line-up, said she loves her role on the ITV series – but is a ‘singer first’ and a judge second.

The 39-year-old’s comments comes amid swirling rumours Cheryl could replace her after making a successful guest appearance during the Judges’ Houses round over the weekend.

 

Rumour has it: Nicole Scherzinger has dropped further hints that she might not return to The X Factor next year by confessing she needs some ‘time out’

Discussing the rumours over the last few months that she won’t return, she told the Mirror: ‘If I don’t come back it’s not because I don’t love it.

Nicole, who has judged three series of the show, added: ‘It’s because I’m a singer first. Every artist needs that time out to reflect.’  

The star also revealed that touring around the world as a solo artist can be ‘lonely’ as she is ‘always by myself’. 

Nicole, who is dating tennis ace Grigor Dimitrov, added that she has been through many professional and personal adjustments in 2017. MailOnline has contacted reps for Nicole and Cheryl for comment.

Hmm: The 39-year-old's comments comes amid swirling rumours Cheryl could return to the singing competition after making a successful guest appearance during the Judges' Houses round over the weekend

Hmm: The 39-year-old’s comments comes amid swirling rumours Cheryl could return to the singing competition after making a successful guest appearance during the Judges’ Houses round over the weekend

Interesting: The Pussycat Dolls star, who is the only judge not confirmed for the 2018 line-up, said she loves her role on the ITV series - but is a 'singer first' and a judge second

Interesting: The Pussycat Dolls star, who is the only judge not confirmed for the 2018 line-up, said she loves her role on the ITV series – but is a ‘singer first’ and a judge second

She explained: ‘This has been a very transitional year for me – career-wise and personally.

The singer’s comments come after it was revealed she is the only judge not signed up to next year’s panel. 

Louis Walsh admitted he and Sharon Osbourne will be taking part in the 2018 series, but added tellingly: ‘Let’s see about Nicole.’

Louis made the revelation after Nicole recently hinted she would like to get back to making music after a three year hiatus. 

Telling comments: She said: 'If I don't come back it's not because I don't love it. It's because I'm a singer first. Every artist needs that time out to reflect.' Pictured with her Overs singers

Telling comments: She said: ‘If I don’t come back it’s not because I don’t love it. It’s because I’m a singer first. Every artist needs that time out to reflect.’ Pictured with her Overs singers

Reflection: Nicole, who has judged three series of the show, added that she has been through many professional and personal changes in 2017

Reflection: Nicole, who has judged three series of the show, added that she has been through many professional and personal changes in 2017

The star told Talk TV: ‘I really care and it’s always a huge decision for me whether I come back or not, because I know it’s 100 per cent or nothing.’ 

‘Adele took time out to work on her music. Ed [Sheeran] took some time. I think every artist needs that, to reflect.’

Meanwhile, Cheryl made an explosive return to the show, after lying low for several months following the birth of her first child, son Bear in March.

The Girls Aloud star, who made a temporary return for the Judges’ Houses return, prompted Simon to suggest something more permanent was in the works. 

Cheryl, who was replaced by Nicole as a judge on the X Factor USA in 2011, could now face taking over the singer’s reins next year. 

Power pair: It comes after Louis Walsh revealed he and Sharon will be returning next series, but hinted Nicole would like to return to making music

Power pair: It comes after Louis Walsh revealed he and Sharon will be returning next series, but hinted Nicole would like to return to making music

Power pair: It comes after Louis Walsh revealed he and Sharon will be returning next series, but hinted Nicole would like to return to making music

Back again! The pals are set to return to the show yet he claims Nicole's future is uncertain

Back again! The pals are set to return to the show yet he claims Nicole’s future is uncertain

‘We’ll consider it. Let’s wait till the end of the show,’ Simon said in a joint interview with her.

‘Maybe they (Nicole and Sharon) don’t want come back. Let’s see what happens – I wouldn’t rule anything out.’ 

Her boyfriend Liam Payne added to the rumours, saying: ‘Cheryl and Simon spoke about her going back next year. 

‘Obviously Simon is desperate to get her back. Cheryl and Simon have such a lovely relationship.’ 

Ironic:  Cheryl, who was replaced by Nicole as a judge on the X Factor USA in 2011, could now face taking over the singer's reins next year

Ironic:  Cheryl, who was replaced by Nicole as a judge on the X Factor USA in 2011, could now face taking over the singer’s reins next year

Teasing: Simon said of Cheryl's possible return that they will 'wait and see' and he won't 'rule anything out'  

Teasing: Simon said of Cheryl’s possible return that they will ‘wait and see’ and he won’t ‘rule anything out’  

Cheryl herself said she was embracing motherhood at the moment but admitted she ‘loves’ doing the show.

‘It has just been me and him and I’m just loving being a mother at the moment. He is only six months old,’ she said. 

‘I’ve got time – I’ve got that luxury lifestyle and some mothers don’t have that luxury and have to get back to work. I’m just taking it as I can but I do love the show.’ 

Cheryl’s involvement in The X Factor has been a tumultuous affair.

Having been hand-plucked from Girls Aloud by Simon to join the judging line up in 2008, she went with the show to the US in 2011 but was fired and replaced by Nicole. She returned to the UK version in 2014-2015 and then decided to leave again. 

Back to work: Cheryl herself said she was embracing motherhood at the moment but admitted she 'loves' doing the show

Back to work: Cheryl herself said she was embracing motherhood at the moment but admitted she ‘loves’ doing the show

 

  

 

 

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