Simon Cowell has invited Cheryl to his upcoming wedding in an attempt to further mend their rift, it's been reported.
The music executive, 62, and the singer, 38, had grown close working together as judges on T he X Factor, with her later joining him on the US version of the competition in 2011.
She was 'sacked' during the auditions though, reportedly due to not seeming like her usual self on the panel - with the experience having caused a rift between them.
They're understood to have reconciled in more recent years and he's said to have now included the Girls Aloud member on the guest list for his wedding to Lauren Silverman, 44.
A source told Closer that despite the pair being on "good terms" again, it's "never really been the same" - with this said to be something of discomfort for Simon.
He's said to miss her and the "connection they had before their fallout," according to the source - who suggested that the wedding is their opportunity to further reconcile.
They said: "He's hoping that by reaching out and sending an invite it'll prove to her how important she is to him and how much he wants to get things back to the way they were."
A source told the outlet that Cheryl is aware that the wedding isn't expected to be a "big star-studded affair" so she was "extremely touched" to have received an invitation.
They said that the mother-of-one is hoping to attend the wedding and wants her former boss to know she's "let go of the past" and is happy he has finally found his "soulmate."
It was further claimed by the source that Cheryl - whose solo singles including Fight for This Love - is hoping that they can "resore their close friendship" at some point.
Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .
Cheryl had initially appeared alongside Simon on the UK version of the X Factor between 2008 and 2010. She later returned to the panel in 2014 and 2015, following the rift.
It was said that she was let go from the US version just weeks into production because she'd "lost her confidence" amid her divorce from Ashley Cole.
She has since stated that she sent Simon an "abusive" message in response, with him having later expressed regret over the decision to take her off the project.
Cheryl said: "In hindsight [though] he was right because I wasn't myself. He wasn't himself either." Simon has acknowledged he wasn't himself during that first series.
The Mirror approached reps of Cheryl and Simon for comment.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
