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Nicole Scherzinger is reportedly holding out for more money to return as a judge to the X factor this year.


While it was originally widely expected that’s Nicole would return, reports at the weekends claimed she had actually quit the ITV series.

An insider told the Daily Star: “Nicole is first choice but it looks like she is now out of the running.”

Asked if she would be back on the show, Nicole herself said recently: “I don’t know yet. You know right now I am focusing on the music.”

According to Star magazine, Nicole is apparently holding out for a huge £750,000 pay rise, which would double her fee to £1.5 million, more than Gary Barlow’s £1 million pay.

Nice work if you can get it…

A supposed source told the publication: “Nicole was a big hits with viewers last year and, after mentoring winning at James Arthur, she feels her expertise is worth more now.”

The insider added: “Her request has shaken things up and it has left Simon and their team grappling with negotiations.”