Cheryl Cole is wanted as a replacement for Kelly Rowland on The X Factor as Simon Cowell also faces a battle to keep Gary Barlow involved in his huge talent show.

It is believed that Barlow does not want to return to the show for the 2012 series, choosing rather to spend time with his family. However, despite Simon Cowell not being too bothered at losing the Take That man, ITV bosses are adamant that Barlow must stay.

The people in charge of the show have claimed that they make the decisions on the judging panel and that Simon Cowell has not got the final say on what happens.

"We want Gary to stay. He did a brilliant job and we would be thrilled to have him back," a source told The Mirror. Adding: "It isn’t his decision – he has overstepped the mark."

“We’re not sure if Kelly will want to do it. Tulisa did a solid job and Louis is, well, Louis. But we really appreciate the work Gary did.”

However, one face that could make a return in none other than Cheryl Cole, with Cowell saying: “I have always believed we will end up together again.”