Cheryl Cole Could Be An X Factor Judge Again, Simon Cowell Says

25 January 2012, 10:27 | Updated: 25 January 2012, 10:30

The music mogul says he would be happy to see the Girls Aloud star rejoin the panel.

Cheryl Cole would be welcome again as a judge on The X Factor, according to Simon Cowell.

The Girls Aloud star left the UK version of the show last year to join The X Factor USA, but she was sacked after just a week on the panel.

However, Simon, who admitted he found the period difficult, said he would be happy if Cheryl wanted to return.

"She is a grown-up and she understands that in this business when something happens it happens publicly," he said.

"That wasn't a great week for me. When I came back last year I was public enemy No1 and I wouldn't want to go through that again."

Simon, who has since spoken to Cheryl, added to The Sun: "She could be a panellist again if she wanted to — 100 per cent. 

"I don't know if she would. I think she probably misses me."

Meanwhile, Cheryl is currently working on her new solo album. The follow-up to 2010's 'Messy Little Raindrops' is expected to be released this year.