X Factor panelist Nicole Scherzinger has admitted that while it's strange for Simon Cowell to not be a permanent fixture on the show it's a relief to not have him "getting under my skin".

According to Britain's The Sun newspaper, the 'Wet' sensation explained that having the music mogul working as a judge was great fun but he could be overpowering at times, so it's nice to experience being on the programme independently:

"I was with Simon last week. I went to school with Simon, he taught me what to do and that's how I started on this show. It's weird for him not to be there, getting under my skin, driving me nuts."

She also appeared as a guest on Lorraine Kelly's show in the UK earlier today (October 4) and denied reports that suggest she has split from boyfriend Lewis Hamilton:

"Me and my lovely man are lovely. We're great. Everything's good. I wish I could be with him in Japan [for the Grand Prix]. He's going to try and be with me as much as possible [during The X Factor]. That'll be lovely."