Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh will all return to The X Factor next year as Simon Cowell loves the ‘chemistry’ on the panel
It's the first time six years the line-up has remained unchanged across two years
FOR the first time in six years SIMON COWELL is leaving his X Factor axe locked in the cupboard this festive season.
I’ve learned he wants to keep his current judges for the show’s 14th series (yes, really) next year.
He’ll continue to work alongside perennial panellist LOUIS WALSH, fellow original SHARON OSBOURNE and versatile NICOLE SCHERZINGER, who once briefly hosted The X Factor’s US version.
While this year’s contestants may be somewhat uninspiring, Simon and show bosses believe they have found the perfect chemistry in the judging line-up.
An X Factor source said: “Simon wants all the judges back next year. Contracts haven’t been signed but negotiations are already well under way.
“Nicole is keen because she loves the show and Sharon also wants to come back as long as she can keep up her crazy transatlantic travel schedule.”
Louis — who was theme of the show last weekend, picking his own favourite songs for the wannabes — is also a lock because he agreed a two-year deal when he returned this year.
My insider added: “After Louis was axed last year in favour of NICK GRIMSHAW, Simon desperately wanted him back.
“That gave him the leverage to negotiate a two-year deal, which is unheard of for the judges. But it also meant he had the security and confidence that he will be part of the show for the long-haul.”
The last time the panel remained intact was 2010, when Simon, CHERYL, DANNII MINOGUE and Louis finished a high-rating four-year run that culminated in them discovering ONE DIRECTION.
Since then Grimmy, GARY BARLOW, TULISA, MEL B, KELLY ROWLAND and RITA ORA have all come and gone.
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The current judges do have great chemistry — but I’d like to see a little more conflict. That’s always when X Factor has been strongest.
They need to work hard to spice up what could be a ho-hum semi-final after HONEY G went.
I would love to see her on the panel for one week only.
Long romance for Lauren
CHVRCHES frontwoman LAUREN MAYBERRY is dating Hollywood star JUSTIN LONG – but they won’t have to worry about long distance.
I’ve learned the pair have been secretly seeing each other for several months and are now living together in New York.
Justin, who has appeared in films including Dodgeball and Die Hard 4, as well as hit TV show New Girl, clearly has a thing for celebs.
Exes include actresses KIRSTEN DUNST, DREW BARRYMORE and AMANDA SEYFRIED, who he split from last year.
A source revealed: “Justin and Lauren have been seeing each other for months but things are getting serious. He has introduced her to some of his family.
“Justin’s a Chvrches fanboy too. He loves following Lauren on tour and wears the band’s tees.”
At least she knows what to get him for Christmas.
Brook's in a sorry skate
BROOKLYN BECKHAM might want to get some better tricks before he tests them out in the middle of a busy road.
He tried to show off his skating skills while out with pals in Primrose Hill, North London, on Tuesday but lost his footing, leaving the board on its side.
The teenager has just announced his first book, called What I See. According to the publishers, he is a “visionary for his generation”.
But he hasn’t been chained to his desk writing the collection, it’s a picture book featuring more than 300 of his snaps.
Out in May, it promises to give a “rare glimpse at the world through his eyes”.
I’m not sure I’ll be rushing out to grab a copy.
Tinie: Lew raced over
WINNIE HARLOW is working more than just the camera.
Confirming my exclusive that the F1 ace has recorded new music with his latest love interest, Tinie explained: “The other day I literally had Lewis and Winnie in my studio, everyone’s playing, everyone’s putting down their beats.
“Sometimes you just have to have someone in the room. It’s the same way an artist or designer has a muse for their pictures, like KATE MOSS to MARIO TESTINO.”
Speaking at the launch of his Vype Pebble T-shirt range in collaboration with his DSTRB LDN label Tinie added: “It’s no different when you’re a musician.
“It’s nice to have environments for people like Lewis and Winnie, who can come and play their music and nobody’s watching or judging them. My studio is that spot.”
I just hope he didn’t leave the lovebirds alone for too long.
Dynamic Dua in video
DUA LIPA is the most exciting rising star in music, so teaming up with one of Hollywood’s hottest properties is a genius move.
I can reveal the Hotter Than Hell singer has enlisted The Fault In Our Stars heartthrob ANSEL ELGORT for the video to her next single Be The One, which they filmed last month.
She said: “We got to shoot it in LA together. He’s lovely.
“It was exciting to work with someone so big in the acting world and it’s his first music video. He plays my love interest, but there’s nothing saucy. It’s more like we hate each other.”
Not your typical love story, then.
Perry's tears at awards
THIS might top KATY PERRY’s 2012 Teen Choice Award.
Katy cried as she met the former presidential candidate, who she spent weeks campaigning for ahead of the election last month.
Boyfriend ORLANDO BLOOM was there supporting her, proving their relationship is still firmly on after US websites mistakenly reported they had split.
The night before, Katy sparked engagement rumours by wearing a huge diamond on her ring finger for a date.
Wedding bells can’t be far off.
Britly come dancing
THE Brit Awards is bound to be a huge party – even the statue is dancing.
Here is the first photo of the 2017 trophy.
It was the final creation by architect Zaha Hadid, who died in March. The first will be handed out to the Critics’ Choice award winner next Thursday, ahead of the main ceremony in February.
JAMES BAY, SAM SMITH and EMELI SANDE are three recent recipients. No pressure, then.