Returning judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini was on hand to rally her troops on Friday morning as this year’s crop of hopefuls nervously prepares for the second live show of the series.

The 31-year-old singer made a welcome appearance at London’s Fountain Studios, where she offered divisive contestant Chloe-Jasmine Whichello some words of wisdom ahead of her next appearance on The X Factor stage.

The posh singer will perform Irena Cara ‘s 1980 hit Fame when the eighties themed second show gets underway on Saturday evening, and she listened intently while her mentor imparted her knowledge.

Scroll down for video  

Words of wisdom: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini offers words of encouragement to posh contestant Chloe-Jasmine Whichello at London's Fountain Studios on Friday afternoon 

Cheryl later offered another of her girls a warm hug as rehearsals intensified at the North London studio on Friday afternoon.

Show mentor Simon Cowell was also present, and he idled close to the stage while chatting to promising singer Jay James.

The hopeful has been charged with the task of performing I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – originally performed by Scottish duo The Proclaimers in 1988.