IF there was ever a reason to watch The X Factor: Celebrity, this is it.

I can exclusively reveal that judge Nicole Scherzinger will be unveiling The Pussycat Dolls’ hotly anticipated comeback on the show later this month.

15 The Pussycat Dolls are set to unveil their comeback on X Factor: Celebrity this month Credit: Getty

She will take to the stage for a ­surprise performance with bandmates Meoldy Thornton, Kimberley Wyatt, Ashley Roberts, Carmit Bachar and Jessica Sutta to mark their first big gig in more than a decade.

A source said: “The X Factor ­producers approached Nicole about the idea of performing with the girls and she jumped at the chance.

“It’s going to be their first big ­performance of the reunion and will be extra special for Nicole because of her role in the show.

“Having the Pussycat Dolls perform is a real coup for Simon Cowell and he has told Nicole to pull out all the stops to make sure their routine gets people talking.

15 Nicole Scherzinger and her former bandmates will perform their first big gig in over a decade Credit: Getty

"The girls know how much this performance means to Nicole so they’re going all-out. It will be really special.”

I exclusively revealed that the group behind hits including Don’t Cha and Buttons were reuniting to mark their 20th anniversary.

Their comeback will see the band go on a mega tour throughout the UK and Europe — in what is set to be the ­biggest return since the Spice Girls’ comeback in the summer.

All the ladies have stayed tight-lipped since I revealed their plans for a comeback but Nicole couldn’t help herself last month when she finally came close to letting the cat out of the bag.

15 A source says Simon Cowell has told Nicole to pull out all the stops and get people talking Credit: ITV

When asked about my story by fans, she said: “I wouldn’t rule it out but I can’t confirm anything right now.”

Luckily for their fans, I promise it won’t be long now.

15 She definitely won't disappoint - the girls are going all out and promise 'it will be really special' Credit: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX

Nicole gets Dolled up for reunion

ARIANA Grande was snubbed at last night’s MTV EMAs, failing to win a single gong despite leading the charge with seven nominations.

Luckily, she avoided any embarrassment by swerving the ­ceremony in Seville, Spain, where Billie Eilish was last night’s big winner.

15 Nicole Scherzinger wowed fans on the MTV EMAs red carpet last night Credit: Rex Features

She scooped the Best New Act prize and Best Song for her hit single Bad Guy.

K-pop group BTS also won in the Best Live and Biggest Fans category.

But it was Niall Horan who stole the show with a ­performance of his current single Nice To Meet Ya.

Mabel performed Don’t Call Me Up at the ceremony, which airs again on MTV at 10pm tonight, and teased there is more music on the way.

15 Dua Lipa performed at the bash, along with Halsey, Liam Gallagher and Ava Max Credit: Rex Features

Speaking on the red carpet, she said: “There’s so many exciting things coming that I can’t wait for people to hear. I’m always trying to develop and give people something ­bigger and better than before.”

Dua Lipa, Halsey, Liam Gallagher and Ava Max were among the performers at the bash, which was attended by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Little Mix skipped the night after three sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena, despite ­landing the Best UK Act gong.

A rare night in for the Little Mix girls was probably a ­welcome relief.

15 But it was Niall Horan who stole the show with his performance of Nice To Meet Ya Credit: Getty

bizmeter charts TONES & I is heading for a sixth week at the top with her viral tune Dance Monkey. Last week she recorded her highest sales yet.

Riton and Oliver Heldens could sneak into the Top Ten with their banger Turn Me On flirting with ninth place.

Official charts First look Dance Monkey – Tones & I Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa Ride It – Regard Good As Hell – Lizzo South Of The Border – Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello & Cardi B Memories – Maroon 5 Circles – Post Malone Lose You To Love Me – Selena Gomez Turn Me On – Riton, Oliver Heldens & Vula Bruises – Lewis Capaldi

Alan's mucky meeting on Grindr

HE’S the cuddly, sweater-wearing gardening guru and grannies’ favourite, so Alan Titchmarsh is the last person you’d expect to see on gay dating app Grindr.

The Fifty Shades Of Green ­presenter was spotted advertising his Christmas concert in London next month on it.

15 An advert for Alan Titchmarsh's Christmas carols gig popped up on gay dating app Grindr

Shocked users looking to find their future husband were greeted by a picture of the star in one of his famous jumpers and ­encouraging them to “book now” for Christmas With Alan Titchmarsh at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

The innocent pop-up ad ­promised the event would feature “carols for all”. How ­inclusive.

One user said: “I was absolutely shocked when I saw Alan there. At first I thought it was an older man who was on the app looking for love.

“When I looked a bit closer I saw it was Alan looking to flog tickets for his Christmas concert. Well, he certainly knows his market.” I never had him down as a gay icon.

bizbit ALONG with being a top model, Abbey Clancy could have been a pop star. Before meeting footballer hubby Peter Crouch she joined a girl band called Genie Queen put together by Atomic Kitten founder Andy McCluskey. He said: “Nobody believes me but Abbey is an amazing singer. Those girls could sing their socks off. "Genie Queen were even better than Atomic ­Kitten. I should have bitten the bullet and released Genie Queen independently, because they were brilliant.”

Joe strictly up for Jay Z shoot

JOE Lycett has told how he pretty much had a ­guaranteed slot on Strictly Come Dancing – but turned it down.

The comic was asked to do the show by head judge Shirley Ballas.

15 Comedian Joe Lycett says he would be guaranteed a spot on Strictly if he wanted it Credit: Getty

Radio host Joe said: “My mum really wants me to do Strictly.

“I actually met Shirley Ballas recently and she was ­asking me about doing it but it’s just not for me.”

Instead, the funnyman wants to make music videos, not ­boogie in them, and he’s aiming unrealistically high.

He said: “I’ve always loved music videos and have found them inspiring.

15 However he turned it down as he has his sights set on something bigger - directing a Beyonce and Jay Z video Credit: Getty

“When I listen to music I always think it would be fun to come up with ideas for a video – it’s how my mind works.

“It’s something I’ve put off for ages but want to get around to at some point.”

Asked who he’d like to make one for, he replied: “Beyonce and Jay Z – it would be someone ridiculous and cool like that.”

I hope for his sake that offer from Shirley hasn’t expired.

bizbit JAMES Blunt, James Morrison and Will Young will play at ­London’s Kew Gardens in July. Speaking about the gigs, Will said: “It’s all gardening and singing in my life, so Kew the Music is the perfect show for me.”

Love is a Payne for Cheryl

LIAM Payne irked his ex Cheryl Tweedy when he confirmed The Sun’s story that they had broken up five months before publicly confirming the split.

The singer admitted the pair had moved on before they put on a united front in February 2018 at the Brit Awards.

15 Liam Payne made a fresh jibe at ex Cheryl Tweedy, saying his love life has 'been super-horrendous so far' Credit: Getty

Cheryl could greet Liam’s latest words in a similar manner too, as he has made a fresh jibe at her, saying his love life has “been super-horrendous so far”.

He also insists his girlfriend, model Maya Henry, is the first of his partners to be “really relaxed about everything”.

The former 1D singer told MTV: “I’m really happy right now and things are good. Now that I’ve found someone who’s my best friend as well as my partner, it’s massively changed things for me.

“She’s just so relaxed about everything,” he continued. “Someone who’s completely got your back with everything is just the wildest thing.

15 However he had nothing but praise for new girlfriend Maya Henry who is apparently 'just so relaxed about everything' Credit: Getty

“I don’t think I’ve really experienced that before in someone, so it’s quite a wonder to watch.”

I’m really enjoying this refreshingly honest side of Liam.

bizbit JOAQUIN Phoenix has teased the idea of a sequel to his hit film Joker. The actor told the LA Times: “In the second or third week of shooting I was like, ‘Can you start working on a sequel? There’s way too much to explore’.”

bizbit CRAIG David has teamed up with Spotify to give a Best Advice talk about having a successful career. The singer, who tours next year, said: “I hope I can help young artists to feel empowered and guided in their choices.”

Jonas's Shawn tie-in

DJ Jonas Blue is in talks with man-of-the-moment Shawn Mendes in a bid to make his next big hit.

Speaking at the premiere of Rise Of The Footsoldier 4: Marbella he said: “We want to do something soon so hopefully something with Shawn, maybe next year.”

15 DJ Jonas Blue in talks to work with singer Shawn Mendes Credit: Getty

Jonas, who has worked with Ellie Goulding and Justin Bieber, also teased more work with a big artist, saying: “We’re preparing the next single, due out January. It will be a really big one.”

Sounds exciting.

Jamie's secret struggle

ED Sheeran's first signing on his record label, Jamie Lawson, has revealed just how ­devastating cancer has been to his family.

The singer lost two uncles to different forms of the disease ­earlier this year.

15 Jamie Lawson has opened up about his family's battle with cancer and explained why he is partnering with Movember Credit: Daniel Jones - The Sun

Jamie, who has partnered with men’s health charity Movember for its Mo Sounds campaign, said: “One uncle was very supportive of my music career.

“His cancer was pretty full-blown and he was pretty riddled with the disease. He would come to my shows and talk about me to his friends very proudly.

"He was a big fan of music and he bought tickets to my ­Shepherd’s Bush Empire gig in London last May, so determined was he to beat the cancer, but sadly he didn’t make it.

“That was a strange night for me, for sure. It has made me ­realise you have to make the most of life and your time.”

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