X Factor: Nicole Scherzinger says she won’t move in with F1 fella Lewis Hamilton

X Factor: Nicole Scherzinger says she won’t move in with F1 fella Lewis Hamilton

The American singer, formerly on the US X Factor panel, is already filming auditions for the ninth run of the ITV1 series, which airs from next month, and will be based in London from October when the live rounds start.

But the former Pussycat Dolls singer reckons her telly appearances will clash with F1 star Lewis’s races â€" and the pair have NO plans to live together while she is over here.

Asked about the possibility of moving in with Lewis, Nicole replied simply: “No.” She added: “I’m actually going to spend less time with Lewis. I believe the X Factor shows are going to be running the same time as his races.

“But I’ll juggle things. I think everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. It’ll be OK.”

On the UK X Factor panel, Nicole replaces fellow American singer Kelly Rowland, who was slated for constantly flying in and out of the country during last year’s show.

But Nicole promises to be fully focused. She said of judging: “The most important thing is that we commit our time to our contestants and we mentor them. I know that’s what I am going to do. I’m doing the show for the contestants and for the love of what I do.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to a long stay in the UK. It’ll be great, it’s like my second home. Every time I’ve been here in the past I have been crazy busy with work. But to have some downtime and live here, check out the restaurants and stuff, it’s exciting.”

X Factor boss Simon Cowell handed Nicole £750,000 to join Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh on the UK panel after Dannii Minogue turned down an offer to return. Nicole said: “I’m excited, this is a new experience. It all came so fast, I was just asked a couple of weeks ago when guest-judging at auditions in London.”

Nicole says Lewis has given her NO tips on how to prepare for life in Britain. She joked: “I think I’m still giving Lewis tips on surviving the Brits!”

But she IS ready for our dodgy weather. Yesterday Nicole made her debut as a full-time judge on the UK X Factor, at auditions in a sunny Newcastle. And she declared: “I love the weather here. Today the sun has come out for us â€" but I’m going to be walking out with an umbrella, raincoat and some boots on!”

She lasted on the US X Factor for just one series. But last night Nicole insisted she had only ever planned to do the one season â€" and she assured her British viewers: “My experience of 15 years in this industry gives me confidence and knowledge. I know that I am a hard worker and I will put my heart and soul into this show as I did in the US. All I can do is be honest to my heart, give it all I’ve got and bring out the best I can in the artists.”

She denies claims she pitched for former US X Factor judge Cheryl Cole’s job on the show while the Geordie was still in place.

Nicole said: “If believing in yourself is calculating, I guess that’s me. But I was raised properly, never to step on anyone’s toes. Simon asked me to fill in for that job and it was an honour for me because of the experience I have in my professional life. I’m passionate about what I do. I was there to be a mentor.”

She also insists her relations with Cowell remain good despite her short stay on the US show.

She said: “Simon and I have a great relationship. He didn’t axe me. I was only meant to do the one season â€" and now the UK has me.

“It’s perfect. Now the UK will get all of me â€" that’s why Simon brought me here.

“I’ve signed up for one series but, who knows, maybe they will kick me out!”

Nicole is already getting on well with her co-judges.

She said: “I have a lot of love for Louis. He welcomed me on the show. He’s always been wonderful to me.”

“And I was pleasantly surprised by Gary and Tulisa. I was very impressed with Gary.”

Nicole also said she had no trouble understanding the Geordies while filming the Newcastle auditions â€" she said: “I love the accent, I think it’s fun.