X Factor 2018 panel: Nicole Scherzinger ‘AXED from latest series’

Nicole Scherzinger will reportedly not return to the X Factor judging panel for the forthcoming series.

The former Pussycat Doll, 39 – who has been a judge on the hit ITV singing competition since 2012 – allegedly doesn’t have a contract for the 15th season, according to The Sun. 

The publication reported that show producer and fellow judge Simon Cowell is planning a massive overhaul of the show to try and entice a younger audience. 

Booted? X-Factor 2018: Nicole Scherzinger ‘axed from from the latest series as show bosses try to revamp the show’ according to The Sun

Judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are also set for the chopping block, with their contracts on the line as show bosses try to rearrange the show to increase its viewership. 

According to the publication, pop hunk Craig David and One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson are both in the running to take over Louis’ spot on the show.

Referencing Louis’ new role as a hearing aid spokesman for Specsavers, a show insider told the paper: ‘Louis and Sharon are both contracted to return this year, but Simon and the producers have lost faith. 

‘They were both terrible on the panel last year. Louis has had a great run, but he’s advertising hearing aids for God’s sake. It’s beyond a joke.

‘Producers have lost faith’: Bosses are reportedly trying to bring in fresh blood to the show to encourage a younger audience

‘We’ll see what happens’: Nicole revealed Simon doesn’t let the judging panel in on their fate until the same month the show returns

‘Nicole was a passionate judge but has no contract and won’t be back this year in order to bring in fresh blood’ the source continued. 

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Nicole and The X Factor for comment.

Louis’ new hearing aid promotional role and Sharon’s transatlantic commitments to a US-based daytime show – The Talk – puts both judges in a precarious situation when it comes to returning to the judges table – with Sharon’s exhausting trips to-and-from America causing a strain.

Set to leave? Judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are also set for the chopping block, with their contracts on the line as show bosses try to rearrange the show

Comeback? Nicole’s spot on the show has already been in question, as it’s been rumoured that Cheryl (pictured 2017), is in talks to return

Nicole’s spot on the show has already been in question, as it’s been rumoured that Cheryl, who was abandoned last year’s series to concentrate on her venture into motherhood, is in talks to return.

Despite being shrouded in mystery, Poison hitmaker Nicole has previously voiced her frustration about Simon’s last minute panel decisions.

Chatting to The Sunday Mirror, Nicole explained that the judges don’t find out their fate until the same month the show returns.

She told the publication: ‘Simon is so f****** last minute we know in the same month that he announces it. We’ll see what happens.’ 

New line up?: Louis’ new hearing aid promotional role and Sharon’s commitments to a US-based talk show puts both judges in a precarious situation when it comes to returning

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk