Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and rumoured boyfriend Liam Payne could soon be co-workers, if the One Direction singer signs up to be a judge on the new series of 'The X Factor'. Payne is hotly tipped to joining this year’s judging panel, as the show goes through a massive shake-up to combat falling ratings.

A photo posted by Liam Payne (@fakeliampayne) on

According the Daily Star, Liam is the bookies’ hot favourite to take the gig, with Ladbrokes offering 2/1 odds. Jessica Bridge, of Ladbrokes, told the newspaper: “If Simon wants ratings to rocket then he needs to sign up Cheryl and Liam as judges.”

More: Has Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Confirmed She's Dating Liam Payne With New Instagram Pics?

There’s now an empty seat on the judging panel, after DJ Nick Grimshaw announced his departure from the show after just one series last month. Other rumoured replacements include Liam’s bandmate Louis Tomlinson and former judge Louis Walsh.

Meanwhile, although Liam and Cheryl still haven't confirmed their romance, the pair having been sharing snaps of them together on Instagram. The pics are said to have angered Cheryl’s estranged husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, who has branded their relationship a stunt.

The Sun reports that Jean-Bernard has told friends that it “really hurts”, to see Cheryl posting pictures with Liam, especially on the anniversary of his father’s death.

More: Cheryl To Drop Fernandez-Versini After Her Divorce Is Finalised

He’s said to have described their romance as a “stunt” with a friend adding: “What’s better for Cheryl’s career? An unknown Frenchman as her husband or a boyband star ten years her junior? He really hoped they could salvage the marriage but now feels insulted and humiliated.”