Cheryl is odds-on to replace Nicole on X Factor

Cheryl Cole is odds-on to return to the X Factor judges panel in 2018.

The Newcastle-born fans favourite is being tipped to replace Pussycat Doll star Nicole Scherzinger, who is widely reported to have been told she will not be needed this year.

Cheryl has had two previous stints as a judge and claimed two victories with Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry.

The Girls Aloud superstar is now firm favourite to make up the four-man panel with returning judges Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and head judge Simon Cowell.

“This is an interesting market, yes there are now firm favourite with Simon 1/25, Cheryl 1/8, Sharon 1/6 and Louis at 4/7 – but there could be some real value here,” said OddsMonkey spokesman Peter Watton.

“Whilst Simon and Cheryl look firm starters in 2018 – the same can’t be said of Sharon and Louis with reports suggesting they could also be axed, and if they are are, there could be some real value.

“Bookmakers are reporting real interest in both Robbie Williams at 5/2 and Louis Tomlinson at 5/2 – both have featured as judges in the latter stages at Judges’ Houses – so for them to be linked is no surprise.

“There are some outsiders too, and if you fancy Cheryl working with her ‘other-half’ how about Liam Payne making a shock appearance at 20/1 – if Sharon and Louis don’t return, there will be some huge value somewhere here.”

Selected odds on who will be an X Factor judge in 2018:
1/25 Simon Cowell
1/8   Cheryl Cole
1/6   Sharon Osbourne
4/7   Louis Walsh
2/1   Nicole Scherzinger
5/2   Robbie Williams
4/1   Louis Tomlinson
4/1   Mel B
6/1   Paloma Faith
8/1   Dannii Minogue
12/1  Leona Lewis
12/1  Pixie Lott
16/1  Emeli Sande
20/1  Zayn Malik
20/1  Liam Payne
25/1  Adele