Nicole Scherzinger returns as X Factor guest judge

Image source, PA

Image caption, Nicole Scherzinger will judge acts in London on 30 May

Nicole Scherzinger is returning to The X Factor as a guest judge at the London auditions on 30 May.

The former Pussycat Doll previously filled in on the series in 2010.

Nicole is the latest guest judge for the upcoming series - Geri Halliwell appeared in Liverpool, while Leona Lewis and Rita Ora have also joined the panel in London.

Producers are currently looking for a permanent judge to replace Kelly Rowland.

Scherzinger said she was "super excited" to be judging the hopefuls during the final London audition.

"Last time I was here we found One Direction and I can't wait to find more unique and interesting talent here in the UK."

It was revealed a few weeks ago that negotiations for former judge Dannii Minogue to return to the show had ended without a deal being reached.

The Australian was replaced last year by Kelly Rowland.

The rest of The X Factor panel - Tulisa Contostavlos, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh - are back on board for 2012, as is host Dermot O'Leary.