Nicole Scherzinger confirms new TV role amidst 'Strictly Come Dancing' speculation

Nicole Scherzinger has confirmed that she has joined the panel of judges for Australia’s Got Talent.

This comes a year after the singer’s departure from The X Factor, which saw her, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh replaced by Louis Tomlinson, Ayda Field and Robbie Williams.

Speaking about her new TV role in Australia, Scherzinger said in a statement: “It’s really wonderful to see every day people come on a stage and show their talent.

“These contestants can be your next-door neighbour or your grade school teacher – it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from.

“The show reminds everyone they too can follow their dreams and honour their gifts – even if they’ve kept them hidden.”

Scherzinger’s new gig does, however, appear to quash any speculation about her replacing Dame Darcey Bussell as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

Read more: Craig Revel Horwood denies Darcey Bussell quit ‘Strictly’ over pay disputes

In April, Craig Revel Horwood said that the Pussycat Dolls lead singer would be a “fabulous” replacement for Bussell, although he had no idea if it was going to happen.

Speaking to TV Week, Horwood said: “[Nicole] would be fabulous. And Anton du Beke definitely wants to do it. I’d love to see Nicole, or Carlos [Acosta]. But nobody has actually expressed anything to me. And I’m generally the last to find out.”

Read more: Carlos Acosta in frame for Strictly judging role

Scherzinger had also been backed as Bussell’s replacement by former Strictly professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Rihanoff expressed her belief that the BBC show needs someone with a different background to ballroom dancing, citing Scherzinger as an ideal candidate.

Rihanoff said: “She is a beautiful stunning lady who has professional training in street and commercial dancing. She would be a good judge. On X Factor she was wonderful.”