Move over Nicole Scherzinger, there’s a new judge in town as Mel B makes a return to the X-Factor
The former Spice Girl is back in the hot seat as Nicole Scherzinger has other commitments
MEL B is making a shock return to the X Factor judging panel.
I can reveal the former Spice Girl will jet into London tomorrow to cover for Nicole Scherzinger.
But the Pussycat Doll hasn't been sacked (yet) - she's got another commitment that she claims she can't get out of.
It shows how Scary Spice is held in high regard by Simon Cowell, who has re-bonded with the popstar during their work together on America's Got Talent.
She will team up with Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne on the panel.
It will also be her first return to the show since the dramatic 2014 final, when she missed the second to last show after being rushed to hospital with a mystery illness.
My X Factor source revealed: “Mel’s coming in as a guest judge to cover Nicole because she isn’t able to make the first day of filming.
“This is a diary clash that Nicole had booked in before she agreed to do X Factor and couldn’t change.
“Mel has been working with Simon as a judge on America’s Got Talent so was available to cover.
“He also knows she’ll come in and take no prisoners so is the perfect temporary replacement for the day.”
It is another move away from the nicey-nicey panel after Biz TV revealed yesterday that the auditions have left contestants shaken and weeping thanks to Sharon’s return.
Her bitchy attitude during filming in Manchester even forced Simon to swoop in to console one young mum whose dreams were dashed.
But Sharon played down her behaviour while speaking exclusively to me - claiming the nerves and rejection process of the audition can often cause tears.
It is a far cry from last year’s judges Cheryl, Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora who weren’t controversial enough and resulted in the ITV talent show’s weakest ratings to date.
I feel sorry for the poor contestants auditioning today.
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