Photo: WENN.com
Out with the old, in with the even older - former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne is said to be a 'dead cert' to return to a judging role on the show in 2013.
It's thought that the show's head honcho, Simon Cowell, isn't looking at anyone else to fill the spot left by dumped judge Tulisa.
Ex-Spice Girl Mel B had been lined up to replace 'The Female Boss', but turned down the job because she's already signed up for America's Got Talent and Australia's Got Talent, leaving her too busy to appear on the UK talent show.
"Simon is a big fan of Sharon," a source told The Sun. "Things are looking good for her. She is in pole position."
If Ozzy's missus does indeed get the job she'll be back on the show a full six years after she was last a regular feature on the judging panel.
Dannii Minogue, who famously clashed with Sharon when they were both onthe show together - was recently confirmed by Cowell for the Australian version of the show.
"She live in Melbourne now and can spend more time with her son Ethan," a friend told the paper.
Sharon was last a regular judge in 2007, when she fell out with Minogue
Tulisa was apparently disappointed to recently learn that she would not be asked back to the show, and had said she would fight for her role.
Today she promised a stripped back affair for her next album, a follow up to the disasterously unsuccesful 'The Female Boss', which was outsold by contestant that Tulisa mentored on the show.
Below: X Factor: From the early days to a bubble ready to burst
