Cheryl Cole, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue 'to return to save X Factor'

By METRO WEB REPORTER - 3rd November, 2012

Simon Cowell has decided the only way to arrest a slide in popularity is to turn to several of the people who made the ITV talent series what it is.

Previous judges such as Dannii and Cheryl could both be set for an X Factor return (ITV)Previous judges such as Dannii and Cheryl could both be set for an X Factor return (ITV)

That means the original line-up of Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Cowell could be back together - although the latter would only appear occasionally while he also promotes the show in the US.

And they will be joined by Minogue and Cole, both of whom have left their X Factor roles in recent years but have since made up with Cowell.

An insider told the Sun that the success of the first three series was a result of the 'genuine British talent' on show and chemistry between the judges.

'Now it's just a circus freak show with the ringmaster trying to pull the strings on the other side of the Atlantic. If Simon can get the original judges and format back, he will truly have pulled victory from the jaws of defeat.

Last week's episode attracted 8.4 million viewers - 200,000 down on the previous week - and ITV bosses have warned Cowell the series could be binned if no improvements are made.