Scherzinger: I've come full circle

Nicole Scherzinger said her return to the judging panel on the new series of The X Factor has brought her "full circle".

The singer, who appeared on the talent show as a guest judge two years ago, will join Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos on a permanent basis in a reported £750,000 deal.

The former Pussycat Dolls star also replaced Cheryl Cole on the US version of the show after the Girls Aloud singer was dropped from the panel last year.

She said: "I'm so excited to join the UK X Factor family. It's where I got my start, so it feels great to come full circle. I can't wait to see what talent the UK has to offer and to help inspire and bring out the best in these artists."

Bosses had been trying out a series of guest judges to replace Kelly Rowland, including former Spice Girls Geri Halliwell and Mel B.

Chart-toppers Rita Ora and Anastacia have also taken turns on the panel judging the hundreds of contestants attempting to find fame and fortune on the ITV1 show.

ITV boss Peter Fincham said he was "delighted" she had signed up.

He said: "Nicole will bring her wealth of experience, both as a solo artist, and as a member of a group, to this year's Judging panel."

Nicole, who was born in Hawaii, is dating Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton and recently appeared in Men In Black 3.

She takes up her new role on Monday at the auditions in Newcastle and will be in Cardiff for the final date on June 25.