CHERYL COLE is believed to be contemplating quitting the X Factor.
The Girls Aloud star may not return to the reality TV show next year as she wants to start a family with her footballer husband Ashley.
A source told British tabloid News of the World: "Cheryl has so much else going on in life.
"The number one thing on her mind is starting a family. The show is a huge commitment. It's six months of the year.
"Cheryl wanted to have a baby with Ashley this year but put it off because of work.
"She doesn't want to wait much longer and she's not keen on having to judge The X Factor while she's heavily pregnant."
Cole already has commitments with Girls Aloud but is also reportedly planning to promote her solo career in Europe and America next year.
The source added: "Girls Aloud are definitely recording their album at the end of next year.
"Cheryl has always said she'll put music first but doing everything would put a massive strain on her. Something has to give."
But the show's boss and Cheryl's co-judge Simon Cowell is said to be so desperate to keep her on the judging panel that he is prepared to double her £1.2 million salary.
Cowell is also allegedly keen to keep Dannii Minogue on the show in case Cole quits, despite earlier reports which suggested that Minogue will not return.
The source said: "Simon's going to take time to reflect but until he's signed up Cheryl there's no way he'd let Dannii go anyway.
"It's crazy to think he would risk introducing two new female judges in the same year."
An ITV insider said Cowell "loves" working with Cole and added: "He will try to get one last series out of her. For Simon it's nothing short of a disaster if she does go through with what she's thinking and walks out of the show."
Contract negotiations for The X Factor will reportedly be held in the spring.