Former Scary Spice Mel B could be in line to replace Tulisa on the X Factor for the new series in 2013.

She was a guest judge for some of the auditions in the 2012 series and is currently a judge on the Australian version of the show but she reportedly wants to move back to the UK, and taking the job would allow her the perfect opportunity.

A source close to the Spice Girl told The Mirror: "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. Phoenix 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."

This year, the X Factor has struggled to get ratings with competition from celebrity talent show Strictly Come Dancing and as a result, various stars have reportedly been approached by the show’s boss Simon Cowell in an attempt to breath new live into the franchise.

There have been reports that Rihanna has been approached by Cowell to become a judge on either the US or UK version of the show.

There have also been rumours that Cowell may want Sharon Osbourne to return to the panel in a reunion of the original three judges with Louis Walsh and Cowell himself.

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