Ellie Goulding to be on X Factor judging panel if Simon gets his way

It seems Simon Cowell is eager to get Ellie Goulding onto the X Factor panel but has left the decision up to Cheryl Cole.

Talking to The Sun, a source said: ‘Simon has given Cheryl the final sign-off on the new female judge because he wants her to work with someone she gets along with.’

However, the 27-year-old is not the only contender, as Cheryl has also put forward a few of her own suggestions including Fergie, Amanda Ghost and Sia Furler.

Apparently, according to reports, Fergie is well aware that she is being considered and an insider said: “Fergie is aware she’s being lined up. She and Simon will have to announce the decision by mid-May.”

Unfortunately, Ellie is pretty busy at the moment, what with an eight week US tour coming up and a third album to be getting on with, so it seems the rumours will keep on circling, for a while at least.