Scherzinger named as X Factor judge

Nicole Scherzinger has signed up to join the judging panel on the new series of The X Factor.

The singer will join Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos on the talent show in a reported £750,000 deal.

Nicole 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."

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

Peter Fincham, director of television at ITV, said he was "delighted" with the appointment.

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."

Bosses had been trying out a series of guest judges to replace Kelly Rowland on the UK show, 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 programme.

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