Cheryl Cole has confirmed she is to rejoin the “X Factor,” along with Simon Cowell, for the show’s 12th series.

    Cole wrote on Instagram, saying: “Guess what? I’m back.”

    An accompanying photo showed the 30-year-old pop star with her hands around Cowell’s throat, and the caption: “I may actually wring* his neck.”

    ITV will be hoping the duo’s return will boost ratings after last year’s series attracted some of the lowest audiences in the show’s history.

    About 11.5 million people watched Sam Bailey take the crown in December, down from 17.7 million during Cole’s last appearance in 2010.

    “It’s official. Cheryl is back,” confirmed Cowell on Twitter. “Be careful what you wish for!”(SD-Agencies)