Photo: WENN.com
The 2012 series of X Factor finished just two weeks ago, but gossip over who might join the judging panel next year is already rife - with Spice Girl Melanie Brown expected to replace Tulisa or Nicole Scherzinger on the 2013 show.
Mel B proved hugely popular with X Factor audience during her brief stint as a guest judge during the show's audition stage in 2012 and the series will be desperate to bring a popular name to the show after plunging ratings for the 2012 series of the TV talent show.
The 'Wannabe' star has been a judge on X Factor in Australia and is now set to return to the UK for a permanent role, reports weekend tabloids.
"She’s ready to come back. All her obligations in Australia, where she’s been living for two years, come to completion at the end of January," says a source to The Mirror.
"Phoenix [her daughter] really wants to be in the UK and Mel’s getting signs that things are going to work out with The X Factor.
"The thing about Mel is she goes where she’s wanted and where the work is. And if that’s the UK then so be it."
Mel B was hugely popular during her brief role as a guest judge on the show
Mel B was named as a potential new female judge as early as August of this year, when The Sun newspaper revealed producers' interest in signing the star.
"Mel was our first choice. She was so quick and honest. You can’t let everyone down gently or the praise is meaningless," says a source to the tabloid. “There’s a lot of money on the table for her next year.”
Nicole Scherzinger previously revealed she was uncertain whether she would return in 2013, saying she wanted to leave the show 'on a high'. Tulisa's place on the show is in jeopardy after her debut album and December single 'Sight Of You' flopped - despite spending two years in a prime time TV spot.
Below: Spice Girls reunite (again) at Viva Forever premiere
}