First she was linked to the show. Then she was said to have agreed a £2 million deal. But now Sharon Osbourne has signed a £1.5 million contract to return to The X Factor.

The former judge, who left the programme after clashing with Dannii Minogue on the 2007 series, will replace Tulisa Contostavlos according to reports this morning. (Bet she 's not too happy.)

Sharon is making her X Factor comeback this summer.

An insider told The Mirror: "Sharon and TV bosses feel there is very much unfinished business following her first stint on the show - and are delighted that she has agreed to return."

They added: "It was never about the money for Sharon. She genuinely loves the programme and considers her previous time on the panel as being a very fulfilling time in her life." (We're sure the £1.5 million helps all the same!)

Not impressed: with her old pal Simon Cowell.

And it seems Sharon isn't the only one who's happy to be back. Simon Cowell is apparently "over the moon that she's signing up."

One source revealed that he's hoping she'll bring a bit of drama: "Simon knows that Sharon ruffles a fair few feathers - and he hopes deep down that she will do the same on this year's panel."

As for who will be joining her. At the moment it is believed that Nicole Sherzinger, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh will all be reprising their roles but you never know, that could change between now and the end of the day.