'Cheryl Cole can't be replaced on X Factor, even though I was meant to' says Tulisa

EXCLUSIVE! Ahead of Cheryl Cole’s return to the show this weekend, Tulisa spoke to Marie Claire

Cheryl Cole’s relationship with the X Factor has been a turbulent one. While it helped make her the adored household name she is now, she was unceremoniously sacked from the American version last year.

But as the singer returns to our screens this weekend at the judges' houses stage of the show Tulisa told Marie Claire she’d like to see Cheryl as a permanent fixture.

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When asked if anyone was ever capable of replacing Cheryl Cole Tulisa told us: ‘That’s an awkward question because I was the person put there to replace Cheryl.

‘Cheryl is Cheryl, no one can replace her, she is who she is and I’m me. I’m nothing like her, it’s not about replacing anyone, the X Factor has a different dynamic now.’

While Tulisa, who has just released her autobiography, Honest, has no aspirations to mimic her X Factor predecessor, she would like to see the Under The Sun singer back for good.

Cheryl was the first name on her lips when we asked which former judge she would like to see back on the panel. Although she quickly added that she’d also like to see Sharon Osbourne take a seat.

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And as Cheryl stars on the small screen with Gary Barlow this weekend to select his three final acts, Tulisa is fully in support of her taking a starring role.

Tulisa added: ‘Cheryl had masses of success on the X Factor, why shouldn’t she come back? She’s always someone I think of when I think of the show, it’s almost standard that she comes back.’

And the producers, contestants and public will no doubt welcome her with open arms.

Honest My Story So Far by Tulisa Contostavlos. Available to buy now in hardback and ebook published by Headline

What do you think? Can anyone replace Cheryl Cole on the X Factor? Do you disagree with Tulisa?

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