Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger to Join U.K. 'X Factor' as Judge (Report)

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Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger will join the judging panel on the new season of the U.K. version of Simon Cowell's The X Factor, according to British media reports.

She would replace former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland. "Kelly has not been able to agree a deal that fits into her autumn/winter schedule, so sadly cannot accept a place on the 2012 panel," a spokesperson for her said earlier this year.

ITV, the TV home of the show, on Friday seemed to confirm a U.K. tabloid's report via a news post at ITV.com about Scherzinger's appointment.

But an ITV spokesman said there was no formal announcement on the final judge for the show as of Friday mid-day. He said the ITV site seemed to have posted its report in reaction to a Friday morning report by the Daily Mail.

A spokesman for Scherzinger couldn't immediately be reached.

The singer replaced Cheryl Cole on the U.S. version of the show last year, but then was replaced herself by Britney Spears for the upcoming season.

Scherzinger filled in on the U.K. show in 2010 for a pregnant Dannii Minogue and recently served as guest judge at a London audition for the show.

On the U.K. X Factor, Scherzinger will join previously announced returning judges Tulisa Contostavlos, Gary Barlow, of Take That fame, and Louis Walsh on the music talent show.

Scherzinger's deal is reportedly worth £750,000 ($1.17 million).

The former Pussycat Dolls star - who is dating Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton - replaced Cheryl Cole on the U.S. version of the show after the Girls Aloud singer was dropped from the panel last year.
Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai