It was one of the most eagerly anticipated TV comebacks of the year.
And Cheryl didn’t disappoint as she took the seat next to Simon Cowell on Sunday night’s episode of The X Factor to guest judge the Groups category at the Judges Houses’ stage.
While there were six nervous contestants who sang their hearts out, all focus was on the former Girls Aloud singer, 34, as fans flocked to Twitter to praise her ‘glowing’ good looks and admit that ‘motherhood suited her.’
Cheryl took the seat next to Simon Cowell on Sunday night’s episode of The X Factor to guest judge the Groups category at the Judges Houses’ stage
All focus was on the former Girls Aloud singer as fans flocked to Twitter to praise her ‘glowing’ good looks and admit that ‘motherhood suited her’
While Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne had chosen their final acts on Saturday night’s episode, it was Simon’s turn to pick his three acts to take through to the live show.
And giving him some much needed assistance was Cheryl, who descended from the sky in a helicopter – making quite the glamorous statement.
After landing in her chopper, Cheryl strutted across the lawns of Chateau Cowell in a tiny black crop top and matching black slacks.
The brunette went on to address the groups, relating to them by stating she had ‘been in their shoes’ before getting comfortable in a chair alongside Simon as they proceeded to judge the acts.
Giving Simon some much needed assistance was Cheryl, who descended from the sky in a helicopter – making quite the glamorous statement
The brunette went on to address the groups, relating to them by stating she had ‘been in their shoes’ before getting comfortable in a chair alongside Simon as they proceeded to judge the acts
And while the acts gave it their all, making for one of the most difficult Groups categories in recent years, fans couldn’t help but gush over Cheryl.
Taking to Twitter, viewers expressed their delight over the star’s ‘glowing’ demeanour after she welcomed baby Bear into the world in March with boyfriend Liam Payne.
‘What a treat seeing our Cheryl back on xfactor, what a treasure. #xfactor
‘Cheryl is beautiful ain’t she #xfactor’ and ‘I must say that motherhood really suits…she looks amezeballs #XFactor #JudgesHouses.’
‘Proper girl crushing over @CherylOfficial and not afraid to admit it looking stunning on #xfactor #judgeshouses.’
‘Cheryl looks like a golden goddess. She is GLOWING #xfactor’ and ‘Loving Cheryl back on the #xfactor she’s such a beaut!’
‘Motherhood suits her!’ While the acts gave it their all, making for one of the most difficult Groups categories in recent years, fans couldn’t help but gush over Cheryl
‘Oh my god @CherylOfficial looks incredible. I wish I looked that god post baby ! She better be back next year for good! #XFactor
‘Cheryl is so stunning #xfactor’ and ‘Cheryl still has one of the most beautiful faces I’ve ever seen #XFactor.’
‘Cheryl is so unreal #XFactor’ and ‘Can’t cope with how amazing Cheryl looks. #xfactor.’
‘I love how the camera is constantly on Cheryl.. She’s glowing #xfactor’ and Cheryl’s highlight is on point #XFactor.’
‘Cheryl looks fireeeee #XFactor’ and ‘I’ll never get over how unreal Cheryl Cole is #XFactor.’
While it wasn’t aired during the episode, Cheryl and Simon were seen indulging in a fun party game, where he made a cheeky joke about her ex Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.
The pair were left in hysterics when the music mogul poked fun at her second husband’s name, as well as her terrible impressions.
Cheeky! Cheryl and Simon Cowell prove they are on better terms than ever on Sunday’s episode of The X Factor, after he makes a joke about her ex Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini
Having a ball: In a new trailer for Cheryl’s return to the series, the pair are seen playing a party game – and are left in hysterics when the mogul, 58, pokes fun at her second husband’s name
Cheryl and Simon enlisted the help of host Dermot O’Leary for a round of Stick It On Your Head, which saw the players guess the name of a person stuck to their forehead.
The game begun with Simon having his own name stuck to his head, leading Cheryl to demonstrate her best impression of her pal – drawling: ‘Darling, it’s so low rent.’
However, things got even cheekier between the pair when Cheryl attempted to describe Wagner to the Syco owner.
Sticking it out: In the teaser for her appearance, which airs on Sunday, Cheryl and Simon enlist the help of host Dermot O’Leary for a round of Stick It On Your Head
Best effort: The game begins with Simon having his own name stuck to his head, leading Cheryl to demonstrate her best impression of her pal – drawling: ‘Darling, it’s so low rent’
Playful: However, things get even cheekier between the pair when Cheryl attempts to describe Wagner to the Syco owner
Impersonating the retired PE teacher, who appeared on The X Factor in 2010, the former Girls Aloud star said in her best Brazilian accent: ‘That’s not my name, Louis!’
At which Simon was quick to quip as his guess: ‘Is that your ex-husband?’, leaving Cheryl in stitches.
Only adding to the hilarity, Simon then told Cheryl in one final blow: ‘That was the worst impression!’, leaving both in stitches.
Can you guess? Impersonating the retired PE teacher, who appeared on The X Factor in 2010, the former Girls Aloud star says in her best Brazilian accent: ‘That’s not my name, Louis!’
Outrageous: At which Simon is quick to quip as his guess: ‘Is that your ex-husband?’, leaving Cheryl in stitches
Banter: Only adding to the hilarity, Simon then tells Cheryl in one final blow: ‘That was the worst impression!’, leaving both in stitches
Playing along: Cheryl also has Dermot’s name stuck to her head
Here she is: On Sunday night, fans will finally get to see Cheryl make her big entrance at Simon’s country pile in the South of France
She’s ba-ack: On Sunday fans of the show will finally get to see Cheryl make her entrance at Simon Cowell’s country pile in the South of France, to help him decide who to take from the Judges’ Houses round of the competition to the live shows next week
Can’t keep her away: Former panelist on the show Cheryl, 34, has certainly been given quite the comeback – descending from the sky in a helicopter, shades on, chestnut locks a-flowing
Back to work: In stills released ahead of Sunday night’s episode, it’s quite clear the Groups category barely get a look-in as they only in fact feature in one of the promotional images
Old pro: Cheryl’s last appearance on The X Factor as a regular saw her head up the Groups
Confidante: She is seen guiding Simon through the motions of who she thinks has got what it takes to get through the live shows and make it to the final
A friendly face: Cheryl was last on the show in 2015
Their fates in their hands: Having sat through the groups’ final stab at impressing Simon, 57, Cheryl is then seen with a jacket draped across her shoulders going through the arduous task of playing with the contestants’ fates
Cheryl’s last appearance on The X Factor as a regular saw her head up the Groups.
In the 2015 season, she mentored 4th Impact, Alien Uncovered and Reggie ‘n’ Bollie – the latter group coming in second place to eventual winner Louisa Johnson.
Simon’s Overs category that year didn’t feature at all in the final – so he’ll presumably be picking the pop star’s brain over who she thinks has toe X Factor.
The line up: The groups appearing at Judges’ Houses this year are Sean & Conor Price, Rak-Su, Jack & Joel, The Cutkelvins, Lemonade and a as-yet untitled, newly-formed girl group
Dynamic duo: The groups appearing at Judges’ Houses this year are Sean & Conor Price (above)
Here they come: Rak-Su are also trying their hand at fame
Singing their heart out: Oxford University boys Jack and Joel attempt to wow Simon with their acapella-style performance
The groups appearing at Judges’ Houses this year are Sean & Conor Price, Rak-Su, Jack & Joel, The Cutkelvins, Lemonade and an as-yet untitled, newly-formed girl group.
On Thursday it was revealed that Simon Cowell ‘isn’t ruling out’ a permanent return to The X Factor for Cheryl, after being reunited with her for this year’s series.
And Cheryl’s boyfriend Liam Payne also waded into the matter, expressing a keen desire to see the Crazy Stupid Love singer ‘get back to work’ after giving birth to their son Bear.
A Cut above? The Cutkelvins are also in the running
Girl power: Lemonade put on a fierce performance for the music mogul
Last but not least: The newly formed and currently unnamed girl band round up Simon’s groups
‘Cheryl and Simon spoke about her going back next year. Obviously Simon is desperate to get her back,’ Liam, 24, revealed to The Sun on Friday. ‘Cheryl and Simon have such a lovely relationship.
‘We’re all edging for her to get back to work, it’s just finding the right time and the right way to do things.
‘This is the first time she’s been away from the industry for a long period of time in her whole career and sometimes that’s a beautiful thing to have. She’s got the opportunity to choose exactly what she wants to do and I think it’s great.’
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. She returned to the UK version in 2014-2015 and then decided to leave again.
Old pals: Simon is thought to be eyeing Cheryl up for a return to the panel next year
‘We’re edging for her to get back to work’: Liam Payne revealed he is eager for Cheryl to end maternity leave and that Simon is ‘DESPERATE’ for her X Factor return
Tempting her back: On Thursday it was revealed that Simon Cowell ‘isn’t ruling out’ a permanent return to The X Factor for Cheryl, after being reunited with her for this year’s Judges’ Houses part of the competition
Asked by The Daily Star whether Simon would re-install her on the panel permanently, he replied: ‘We’ll consider it. Let’s wait till the end of the show… maybe [current judges Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne] don’t want come back.
‘Let’s see what happens, I wouldn’t rule anything out.’
Cheryl didn’t say no to the possibility when asked during the same joint-interview; but made it quite clear that this year only permitted a brief return to the show, with her priorities lying with her six-month-old son.
‘I want to be with Bear a little bit longer,’ she said. ‘It has just been me and him and I’m just loving being a mother at the moment.
‘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.’
Keeps coming back: Should Simon’s theory that Sharon and Nicole don’t return, it could be that he needs to fill two seats on the panel
A tumultuous affair: Having been hand-plucked from Girls Aloud by Simon Cowell to join the judging line up in 2008, Cheryl went with the show to the US in 2011 but was fired. She returned to the UK version in 2014-2015 and then decided to leave again