Rex

Tulisa Contostavlos

Reports suggest that not only is Tulisa Contostavlos set to return to X Factor for its 2012 series, she will be on a higher deal.

The former N-Dubz singer has received staunch support from Simon Cowell over the sex tape saga involving her ex-boyfriend MC Ultra. He branded her former lover "a scumbag" for betraying her.

The music and TV mogul is apparently putting his money where his mouth is and is reportedly set to offer her a £500,000 deal to return to the ITV1 talent show.

A source told Metro: "Tulisa is in line for a decent bonus. She proved herself on the show and did a great job with Little Mix last year."

The source added: "It might seem a lot of money, but it's a fraction of what Gary Barlow gets and is much lower than Cheryl Cole - who she effectively replaced."

Simon Cowell recently confirmed his preference for the return of all four 2011 X Factor judges.