Rumours had been circulating about Spice Girl Mel B returning to the X Factor UK as a permanent judge for the 2013 series but fans that were looking forward to seeing her return full time are going to be disappointed as she apparently wants to stay in Australia.

She appeared as a guest judge last year, stepping in while Nicole Scherzinger was busy with other commitments and at first she was seen as too mean to contestants but quickly won the public over with her cheeky comments.

The rumours circulating were that Simon Cowell has his eye on her to appear as a judge full time but Mel B is apparently wanting to stay in Australia where she has settled with her family.

A source close to the star told The Sun newspaper: "Mel is pretty sure she wants to stay in Australia.

"She enjoyed appearing on the show in the UK but is telling friends she will stick to the set-up that she is the most comfortable with."

There were also rumours that Mel was producer’s first choice over Nicole but she was unable to take them up on their offer as she had already committed to the Aussie version for the show.

At the time, a show insider said: "Mel was our first choice. She was so quick and honest. You can't let everyone down gently or the praise is meaningless.

"There's a lot of money on the table for her next year."

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