Nicole Scherzinger wanted Stormzy as her 'The X Factor' guest judge because he is a "credible" artist.

Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger

The singer is a huge fan of the grime star and asked him to join her at the Judges' Houses stage of the competition to help her narrow down her group of contestants to three.

She told the Sunday Mirror: "He's ­credible for me. I love that he's not what ­people thought I'd have as a guest judge. I wanted someone relevant and ­current. It doesn't take away his credibility. It's showing another side."

Meanwhile, Nicole has yet to sign up for 'The X Factor' next year and hinted that she may focus on her music instead.

She said: "If I don't come back it's not because I don't love it.

"It's because I'm a singer first. Every artist needs that time out to reflect."

Meanwhile, Louis Walsh has revealed that he and Sharon Osbourne have signed up for next year and while they want Nicole to come back, he has backed Mel B as her replacement if she decides not to.

He said: "I'll give up when she [Sharon] does. I love it, it's not like work. This is not like work, it's great fun. I'm getting paid to do something I love. I'm signed for next year, so is Sharon. Let's see about Nicole.

"I would bring in Mel B, I love her, she's a survivor. I love Nicole a little bit more. Nicole is my favourite female judge ever, she brings so much.

"I adore her, I love her more than she loves me. Seriously, she's just the best, she's amazing. She wants to win this year."