Rex

Although Simon Cowell revealed that Cheryl Cole would return to The X Factor last week, ITV only released photographs today showing the Geordie songstress as the sidekick to Gary Barlow at the judges’ houses’ stage of the latest series.
   Barlow had chosen Boughton House in Northants to decide who would be his acts for the live shows, and Cole joined him.
   The duo travelled to Northants via helicopter.
   Barlow has been given the older entrants. Fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger has the boys and Ne-Yo is rumoured to be helping her. Tulisa Contostavlos has been given the girls, with Tinie Tempah helping, and Louis Walsh will handle the groups, helped by Sharon Osbourne.
   Last year, Barlow had chosen Robbie Williams to be his helper at the same stage in the competition.
   The scenes will not be aired for a few weeks.

Rex