Rival show judge reportedly ‘wooed’ into new X Factor panel
With so many names in the hat for the brand new X Factor judging panel, everyone from Niall Horan to Carly Rae Jepson has been linked with a spot. However, the latest name to be thrown into the mix has come as quite a surprise to us.
According to reports this weekend, none other than Rita Ora – as in, The Voice UK judge – is set to take up Mel B’s vacant seat on the panel.
Sources have told The Sun that the signing of her good pal Nick Grimshaw made her reconsider previous offers by Simon Cowell, and she is poised to ink a deal very soon.
“Re-signing Cheryl and getting Grimmy have changed everything. Rita really wants to be on the panel now, so it’s a matter of making the logistics work. There’s a lot to work through,” the source said.
While Rita is said to be in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Cowell and co, an X Factor spokesperson remained tight-lipped, merely saying that “no formal decision has been made about the line-up as yet”.
Other names that have been bandied about for this year’s panel are Louis Tomlinson, Ellie Goulding and even former judge Tulisa Contostavlos.
We think Rita would be perfect for the role, particularly after the success of her guest judging appearance three years ago. What are your thoughts?
