X Factor boss Simon Cowell swaps and changes the show’s judges willy nilly, both here and in the USA version…

And it was of course following a stint as a guest judge on the UK show that Nicole Scherzinger landed a role as judge on the first season of X Factor USA.

However, after just that one season, she was transferred to the UK version to become a full-time judge, and according to Now magazine, Simon sent her in to the UK ranks in order to become his “spy”.

Simon apparently wants Nicole to “keep an eye” on the other judges – Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Louis Walsh – as well as finding ways to improve the show.

A show insider told the magazine, “Nicole’s been confiding in her team that Simon wants her to be his eyes and ears…

“He’ll be asking her for the lowdown on how the judges are performing because he wants it to be the best series yet.”

And it seems Simon won’t shy away from ditching any of the judges if he – or Nicole presumably – feels they aren’t bringing anything to the show.

The source continued, “Tulisa feels she gave the series an edge last year when Kelly Rowland didn’t live up to expectations, but it’s a different ball game now.

“You’re only as good as the last show.”

And it seems that Simon’s alleged promise to offer Mel B a full time judging job next year has all this year’s judges worried!

The insider added, “The other judges seem paranoid about which of them will be axed to make way for her.”

You can read the full story, and more X Factor goss in Now magazine which is out now!