Nicole Scherzinger seemed genuinely shocked when she found out she would be mentoring the boys on this year’s series of The X Factor.

The former Pussycat Dolls star had been hoping to work with the girls when the bootcamp moved into judges houses and beyond, however she was brought back to earth with a bump when she received a phone call from Simon Cowell and was told she’d be looking after the boys instead.

Her rival judge Tulisa landed the girls.

Scherzinger tried to make the most of Cowell’s decision and insisted:

“I wasn’t expecting that. I’m stoked. I’m super stoked. I’m excited.”

Earlier in the day, the brunette beauty and her fellow panelists had chosen James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas, Nathan Fagan-Gayle, Adam Burrdidge, Rylan Clark and Jake Quickenden for judges houses and on working with the lads, Scherzinger said:

“In the boys group I think we have a real contender, a serious contender. Possibly the winner of X Factor!”

Do you think Nicole can win with the boys? Leave your comments below….

Meanwhile, as we prepare for the judges houses episodes of the show to air next weekend, Unreality TV have put together out predictions for his year’s X Factor final 12. Have a look and tell us if you agree!