SIMN Cowell has been in talks with Cheryl Cole to get her to return to The X Factor. The TV mogul reached out to Cheryl - whom he sacked from the US X Factor earlier this year - two weeks ago when judge Kelly Rowland fell ill halfway through the series and had to pull out. Kelly has since returned to the show but ratings have continued to decline - dropping by 2.5million viewers compared with last year. In a move to boost ratings, Cowell is to return to the UK this week for talks with all the judges and contestants - and to try to convince Cheryl to return to the show. An insider said Simon has made 28-year-old Cheryl an offer 'she cant refuse - although she has yet to make her decision. The offer is to appear as a behind-the-scenes mentor during one of the final episodes when she would give advice to all contestants and guidance on their performances. While Cheryls spokesman insisted she is 'over The X Factor and has no plans to return, a source close to Cowell confirmed he has been in talks with her.DM