Simon Cowell has been plotting a The X Factor revamp for it's 15th year, in bid to rescue plummeting viewing figures.
The 58-year-old TV mogul plans to inject some fresh blood into the show and appaz, that means letting go of the current judging panel.
It has been revealed that the scher-mazing Nicole has been axed from The X Factor (sob) and talent show veterans Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are unlikely to return.
A telly insider told The Sun: “Louis and Sharon are both contracted to return this year, but Simon and the producers have lost faith. They were both terrible on the panel last year. Louis has had a great run, but he’s advertising hearing aids for God’s sake. It’s beyond a joke.
“And Sharon couldn’t even remember some of her own contestants’ names.
“Nicole was a passionate judge but has no contract and won’t be back this year in order to bring in fresh blood.
Maybe Nicole can now focus on other important things, like bringing the Pussycat Dolls back together. We still listen to When I Grow Up in our car.
Last night a show source confirmed: “There are no plans for Nicole to return to The X Factor this year. Other announcements about the judging line-up will be made in due course.
“It is possible either Sharon or Louis could still return because both have contracts.
Si has his eye on some other celeb types to fill the prestigious (and now empty) panel, who include Ex-judge Cheryl Tweedy, BGT panellist Alesha Dixon, Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey.
IMAGINE MARIAH CAREY AS A JUDGE. Staff would be fanning her every time she would spoke. Imagine her performing a Christmas single and beating every contestant to the no.1 spot. Mariah Carey needs to be a judge.