has certainly spiced up the
X Factorjudging panel with her passion and enthusiasm — and that looks set to continue when the show moves to the judges' houses.The fun-loving 35-year-old has flown to the tropical island of Antigua to film the next stage of the
X Factor, and she is making the most of her time on the paradise location.Nicole was recently pictured getting into the carnival spirit while filming at Shirley Heights, showing off her incredible figure as she partied with local revellers.
Dressed in an intricately beaded bikini, high-waisted denim shorts and a fringe pink kimono, the Honolulu-born beauty was clearly in her element as she danced to the beat of the carnival drums.She wore a pink flower in her long, flowing hair as she moved to the music, at one point gamely wearing a traditional feathered mask as she embraced the island's laid-back ethos.It looks like whoever Nicole mentors this year is in for a great time. It's been rumoured that after winning last year's show with the boys and James Arthur, Nicole has been given the girls category.
While in Antigua, she will whittle down her acts to the final three, who she will then take forward to the live shows. So far there has been no official word on who Nicole has asked to help her make the all-important decision, but it has been rumored that it's her friend
Mary J Blige.Nicole's
X Factorco-stars flew to separate destinations to film the judges house section of the show.
Louis Walshrecently returned from Saint-Tropez, where he was joined by
Nicole Appletonand Westlife's
Shane Filan.
Robbie Williamsreportedly joined
Sharon Osbournein LA as she chose her final three, while
Gary Barlowis thought to have filmed his section in New York with guest judge and former
X Factorrunner-up
Olly Murs.
Fans of Nicole will no doubt be delighted to see her with a smile on her face. Following the
end of her five-year romancewith British Formula 1 star
Lewis Hamiltonin June, Nicole admitted that
life hasn't been easy."I've has a blanket of tissues over me many a night and ordered a random, ginormous pizza for myself," she told
Glamour."In any relationship it's easy to lose yourself and it's important to come back to who you are. And you can live your life in freedom and happiness when you're happy with who you are."