Andrew Lloyd Webber has claimed that Nicole Scherzinger is set to rejoin the X Factor.

The musical man said he was unhappy that the singer had quit her role in Cats just weeks before the latest round of rehearsals.

He told The Economist that  Scherzinger left the production to join the X Factor.

Lloyd Webber said: "A week before we were due to go into rehearsals with Cats, she calls me and says she's decided to do X Factor."

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Scherzinger declined to confirm the X Factor reports.

However, she paid tribute to Lloyd Webber as she stepped down from Cats.

The US star said: "I had every intention of doing Cats on Broadway but the contract was never finalised.

"I am incredibly blessed to be given so many amazing opportunities, including Cats but unfortunately we weren't able to make it work this time around.

"I adore and respect Andrew, I'm so grateful for our friendship and can't wait for the opportunity to create more magic together."

The X Factor currently one has one judge - Simon Cowell - after Cheryl, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw all left.

Scherzinger was a full-time member of the panel for two series between 2012 and 2013.

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