The X Factor has returned, and there have been a few surprises about the series so far.
For judge Nicole Scherzinger, it wasn’t the celebrity format which made her raise an eyebrow.
The former Pussycat Doll is back as one of the judges for the third time, following her stint on the panel between 2012 and 2013, and again in 2016 and 2017.
But she’s also joined by Louis Walsh, someone who had said he was finished with Simon Cowell’s X Factor only last year.
And for Nicole, the Irishman was a welcome addition.
“There’s no one else that I would have wanted back more,” said Nicole. “I love him, he’s always been there for me.
“He is the best at what he does, so rightfully, he should be here.
“You have to have that trust. I think Simon goes back to us each time because he knows that he can trust us, we’re family.
“I’ve been a part of The X Factor family for many years now and honestly, I love the UK so much.
“They’ve always been so good to me, Great Britain is my second home. So, Simon called me personally and that always means a lot.
“We had a few discussions about what was going to happen and that was it. I didn’t have any concerns about coming back, it’s in my blood to do this.
“I feel like I’m really good at this. Simon really wanted me back, so we made a pact and we made it work.”
As well as Louis, some of the celebrity contestants made Nicole sit up and take notice.
“Martin Bashir is my biggest surprise,” she added. “We’re used to seeing him interview people like Princess Diana.
“He’s the kind of person people are not used to seeing in this light, and the way he spoke about why he did it, his voice and his performance, he was the biggest surprise to me, for sure.”
Nicole has become synonymous with The X Factor among her friends in the US, so much so that they think she’s moved here.
“When Simon asked me to do this show, I realised how much I miss the UK,” she said. “It’s great to be back.
“It’s so funny, because all my friends think I’m pretty much an adopted Brit, because every time they’re in London they’re like, ‘We’re in London! Where are you?’
“I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m in LA’. They normally just assume that I live there all the time.”
The X Factor: Celebrity, ITV, Sat, 8.35pm
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe