Simon Cowell Leaving 'X Factor USA' to Return to UK Version With Cheryl Cole?

Credit: ITV

With ratings for The X Factor USA circling the drain, Simon Cowell is seriously weighing his options.

Cowell is reportedly considering leaving The X Factor USA to return to the panel of the UK version of the reality singing competition. But would be a cost-saving measure for the show every bit as much as it would be a ratings stunt for the UK version. Should The X Factor USA somehow receive a fourth season from FOX, a less expensive judge could be hired to fill Cowell's seat.

But Cowell isn't looking to go back to The X Factor UK alone, as he is allegedly looking to bring Cheryl Cole back on board in an attempt to bring the show back to its former glory.

"Simon wants Cheryl to join him on the judging panel again. He regards the two of them as the dream team," an inside source revealed. "The years they did the show together were hugely successful and Simon thinks that they could have an amazing comeback together."

At least two spots on the judging panel will be open for next year's UK season, as Sharon Osbourne is only contracted for one year, and Gary Barlow has already announced his departure after the end of this season. Louis Walsh has also gone back and forth on whether or not this will be his last season on the series he's been with since the beginning. Simon and Cheryl returning to the series would potentially stoke the flames of nostalgia for a series that's seen better days.

"Simon has always been incredibly fond of Cheryl. Crucially, she also attracts headlines and will get people talking about the X Factor again," the source continued. "It’s still very early days though, so nothing is set in stone."

Via: Metro