Cheryl Cole is "in talks" about her future with Simon Cowell after she was dropped from the US version of The X Factor, according to Cowell's friend Sinitta.
The 27-year-old is said to have been dropped from the show, with her place as a judge likely to be taken by ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
Cole is understood to be back in the UK but questions remain over what her next career move will be.
Sinitta, who made regular guest appearances on the UK show, told ITV1 show Daybreak: "There is something going on. All I can say is Simon and Cheryl are very close and I believe that they are in talks trying to sort something out and as soon as they agree on something then we'll hear about it."
According to reports, X Factor bosses are keen for the Girls Aloud singer to return to the judging panel of the British version of the show, where she proved a hit with viewers for three series.
An ITV insider told the Daily Mail: "Of course we would be glad to have her back. She is Cheryl Cole."
With filming due to begin next Wednesday a decision will need to be made quickly, but some sources claim her treatment in the US has left her angry with show boss Cowell.
Celebrity website TMZ said Cole was dropped from the judging panel because producers feared the American audience would not understand her Geordie accent. There were also concerns Cole, whose place on the show was only confirmed on May 5, had a "lack of chemistry" with fellow X Factor judge Paula Abdul, the US website said.
Representatives of Cole, the show's production team and broadcaster ITV have so far declined to comment.
Meanwhile, former X Factor contestants JLS have expressed their support for the singer. The band's Marvin Humes said: "It's quite disappointing, obviously. Cheryl is an incredibly strong woman - she has been through a lot - and I think she will bounce back from this - no problem."
