Rita Ora and Cheryl Cole For Next Year's X Factor Panel?!

Simon Cowell is reportedly lining up Rita Ora and a returning Cheryl Cole for the judging panel on the 2014 series of The X Factor.

With Gary Barlow quitting the show this year to concentrate on recording the seventh Take That album, it’s believed that Cowell is planning to give the panel a radical overhaul.

According to Bizarre, Rita Ora and Cheryl Cole will join the ever-present Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell who is allegedly plotting a return.

A totally authentic (ahem) source said: “Rita is at the top of his list with Cheryl. He has been a massive fan of hers for a while.

“He has offered it to her before but she didn’t think the time was right. Now the ball is very much in her court.

“Simon is planning a huge shake-up next year, as it’s highly likely he’ll be back. Rita and Cheryl would be his dream team.”

If the reports are to be believed, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger would both be bumped off the judging team in favour of the younger pop stars.

Shortly after her guest appearance on The X Factor in 2012, 22-year-old Rita Ora dismissed the chances of becoming a full-time judge for the time being.

“I love it but if I was to take on a full-time role it would be when I’m loads of albums in,” she said.

Cheryl Cole mentored The X Factor from 2008 until 2010 winning the show twice with Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry.