Cheryl Cole has reportedly signed a £1.5 million deal in order for her to return as a judge on the X Factor.

The former Girls Aloud singer reportedly fell out with show boss Simon Cowell after he kicked her off the US version after she had only recorded one episode.

A source told newspaper The Mirror: “The [£1.5 million] deal was done over the weekend. Simon is absolutely delighted to have her back on the judging panel.

“Over the last 18 months, Cheryl and Simon have got back in touch and slowly repaired their relationship. And in January they had dinner with Peter Fincham at Simon's London house. There has been to-ing and fro-ing but the deal was finally done in the last 48 hours.”

Cowell confirmed the news to his Twitter followers tweeting: “It''s official. Cheryl is back.”

The announcement ended months of speculation over whether or not Cheryl would return and the source continued to reveal that it came as a huge relief to the show’s producers.

"Simon is delighted that she is back. With him and her on the panel it's a dream ticket.

“Simon was always very sad about the way things turned out over there and especially the way his relationship disintegrated. Slowly but surely they got things on an even keel and now they are stronger than ever. It was destiny they would be working together again.”