The singer is believed to have formed a close friendship with her replacement on the show, Tulisa Contostavlos, who attended her 28th birthday party last week.
And according to The Mirror, Cheryl is due to return the favour and is appearing at Tulisa's 23rd ahead of her big return to the programme.
'Tulisa's having a big knees-up for her 23rd birthday at London's Merah club on July 16, and all the X Factor judges, cast and crew will be in attendance. As will Cheryl,' said an insider.
'She mingles more with the current judges than she ever did before. There is a long-standing plan in place for Cheryl to return to the show in time for the live finals. There is a fifth guest judging role there and Simon Cowell would love for her to take it.'