Liam Payne rates Cheryl Cole

Harry Styles and Liam Payne are thrilled Cheryl Cole is returning to the X Factor.

The One Direction bandmates were propelled to fame after appearing on the show in 2011, and signed to Simon Cowell's Syco record label not long after.

According to the stars, having Cheryl and Simon together again will make for some dynamite TV.

"Yeah, she's not afraid of him at all, obviously some people are too scared to say what they think around him on the show and she's, like, 'No you've brought me in to do a job and I'm going to do it'," Liam told UK newspaper The Mirror, who caught up with him and Harry as they landed in London from Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The two bandmates spent Tuesday night raising money at an event in support of Trekstock, a charity which supports young people with cancer.

Harry and Liam haven't met Simon's newborn son Eric yet, but say they can't wait to see him.

"I hope we get to meet him soon! Oh yeah, when he's old enough we can have a kickabout with him," Liam said, at which Harry mimed kicking a ball and laughed, "On your head!"

Cheryl has spoken of her excitement about returning to the reality singing competition, saying she can't wait to get started.

The 30-year-old former Girls Aloud star says it feels like old times again.

"I feel back to my old self, really inspired," she told British OK! Magazine. "I'm actually really excited to be back and get my teeth into some new talent."