Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will be the only woman on 'The X Factor' panel.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

The former Girls Aloud star has reportedly agreed to return to the judging panel for the ITV singing competition along with music mogul Simon Cowell, who is searching for another "big-name male" after already securing BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw.

A source revealed: "Simon has thrown the rule book out of the window this year.

"Ever since the panel moved from three to four judges there have been two men and two women, but it looks like that is going to change.

"He will definitely be back, as will Cheryl. Grimmy's just a formality, so the X Factor team is currently searching for a really big-name male.

"Simon thinks by having three men, Cheryl will flourish. He also likes the 'three men and a Geordie' joke."

Following the departure of 2014 judges Mel B and Louis Walsh, Simon is hoping the male-dominated panel will be refreshing for the show, especially as it will mean less drama for him.

The insider told The Sun newspaper: "The danger is that he will lose those great spats between the female judges like the ones between Dannii Minogue and Sharon Osbourne, and Kelly Rowland and Tulisa.

"They used to generate great publicity, but they were a huge headache to manage, so it's not all bad."