She may have been unceremoniously axed from her judging role on X Factor USA after just one series.

But stunning Nicole Scherzinger is now set to join the UK series as a full-time judge, with her role confirmed by ITV today.

The 33-year-old girlfriend of F1 driver Lewis Hamilton was a stand-in judge at the London auditions last month – and has previously been a guest judge at auditions on the ITV talent hit.

Talking about her new role, Nicole said: 'I’m so excited to join the UK X Factor family. It's where I got my start, so it feels great to come full circle.

'I can’t wait to see what talent the UK has to offer and to help inspire and bring out the best in these artists.'

And Peter Fincham, Director of Television, ITV, added: 'Nicole will bring her wealth of experience, both as a solo artist, and as a member of a group, to this year's Judging panel.

'We're delighted that she'll be joining us for the forthcoming series.'

Nicole will begin her full-time judging role when the auditions hit Newcastle on Monday.

X Factor producers were left searching for a new judge after Dannii Minogue turned down a £1 million deal to return to the show after they axed Kelly Rowland.

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