After a rather high-profile sacking late last month, singer Cheryl Cole is in advanced talks to return to the judging panel of Fox's new performance show "The X-Factor."
So says a report originating out of the U.K.'s News of the World, and confirmed by a number of U.S. outlets, including Radar Online.
According to the report, series creator/executive producer Simon Cowell, as well as Fox management, second-guessed their decision to cut loose the 27-year-old singer after looking at audition tape again.
Cole was reportedly pulled off the still-developing reality-competition show because she lacked chemistry with fellow judge Paula Abdul, and also because of her thick British accent.
However, Fox and Cowell never made an official statement confirming any of this, or that Cole was dumped in the first place.
According to News of the World, Cole — negoiations finalized — is expected to return to New Jersey on Wednesday when auditions for "The X-Factor resume. Nicole Scherzinger, who was reported to have taken Cole's place on the judging panel, will return to her role as co-host.