Yesterday it was revealed that Gary Barlow had gone behind boss Simon Cowell's back and secretly enlisted the help of former X Factor Judge Cheryl Cole for the judge's houses stage of the competition.
Cheryl returns to the X Factor. Hurrah! [Copyright Rex]
And now the first pictures of Cheryl's shock return to the show have been unveiled.
Looking sophisticated and demure in a black and white fitted dress, Cheryl seemed excited about returning to the show, which she left two years ago.
The contestants who were in Gary's category- rumoured to be the Over 28's- were left in the dark about the identity of his aide, even putting a table cloth over Cheryl's head so that they wouldn't recognise her.
Cheryl arrives in style. [Copyright Rex]
They may have missed out on a trip abroad but we're sure that Cheryl's surprise return more than made up for the contestant's loss of air miles.
Talking to the contestants, Cheryl said: "I've been in both positions- I've been here and I've been on your side so I know how you are feeling."
"I'm just so excited to be here."
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Gary backed Cheryl's appointment, telling the contestants: "It's safe to say that this person knows a thing or two about the competition."
Gary introduces Cheryl to his catergory. [Copyright Rex]
Yesterday, Gary tweeted Cheryl in a bid to make sure the two didn't turn up wearing matching outfits.
He tweeted the singer: "@CherylCole just so we don't clash, I'm wearing the pink suit with the red shoes ;)"
Cheryl was quick to reply to the Take That singer saying: "@Gbarlowofficial Got you !! ;) see you soon !!!"
Simon Cowell, who had no idea about Cheryl's return, also took to Twitter with a seal his approval posting: "Welcome back Cheryl. X"