Simon Cowell has hinted that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will be making a return to The X Factor, after previously suggesting there would be a shake-up.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The 55-year-old star appears to have suggested that both himself and the 'I Don't Care' singer will be returning to the judging panel on the ITV singing competition later this year but insisted nothing is "set in stone".

Asked which of last year's judges - who also include Louis Walsh and Mel B - will be returning, Simon said: "Cheryl and me are fine."

Despite seeming to confirm that he and Cheryl will be back for the next series, he refused to comment on whether former 'Xtra Factor' presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs will be taking over from Dermot O'Leary as hosts but admitted that he was "excited".

Speaking about Dermot's decision to step down from the show after eight years the 'Britain's Got Talent' host added to tellymix.co.uk: "Dermot's cool, however, he did a lot of years.

"I think he wanted a change. I respect that.

"He'll always get work, he's a very talented guy and we'll do stuff together."

The show's executive producer Richard Holloway recently revealed a number of changes would be taking place ahead of the new series.

He said previously: "There will be some exciting changes. The name of the show will stay the same but we are looking at the format and the judges.

"There will be some surprises this year. But I can't go into detail."