Cheryl Cole buys $3.5 million property in California to be near lover

The 27-year-old pop star ' who has been heavily tipped to take on a judging role on the US version of 'The X Factor' when it launches later this year ' has splashed out on the luxury apartment, which is close to the studios where the TV talent show is to be filmed.

The Beverley hills property, which is part of the 42-storey Century building, has four acres of private gardens, boasts an in-built cinema, private 74ft pool, wine cellar and is protected by 24-hour security.

She will also be close to her reported lover, dancer Derek Hough, 25, who recently paid $630,000 for a luxury Los Angeles apartment in a bid to settle down with his famous girlfriend.

Earlier this week, Fox bosses fuelled speculation that Cheryl ' who is already a judge on the UK version of 'X Factor' ' will be joining the panel on the new programme after they praised her 'chemistry' with show chief Simon Cowell.

Peter Rice, the head of entertainment on the network, said: "If Cheryl was to be on the show, I think she's proved she's a terrific judge. She has wonderful chemistry with Simon."