I hear Simon Cowell is keen to speak to singer Rita Ora about a potential second spell on X Factor having guided 2015 series winner Louisa Johnson to victory.
This means ex-Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy may have ruled out a return to the show as bosses identify Ora as their top target for the panel.
Oo-er!
The new X Factor overhaul could also feature Craig David and Louis Tomlinson, who are in talks to take over the second male position, while Alesha Dixon, Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey have all been approached, along with Rita and Latino superstar Gloria Estefan, with a view to filling the female slots alongside Simon.
A show source said: “Cheryl loves X Factor but she’s been filming the pilot for her new BBC programme and loved it.
Adding, “The show feels fresh and because it’s a new format she is excited by that. Dance has always been a passion for her so it feels right for her.”
Cheryl’s big decision comes as new accounts reveal she spent $300,000 during her year out of the spotlight to have baby Bear. The Geordie saw funds in her company CC Entertainments dip from $2.4million to $2.2million.
Simon is keen to speak to Rita about a potential second spell on X Factor, having won the 2015 series when she guided Louisa Johnson to victory.
However, her signing could prove difficult given her touring commitments and the release of her highly anticipated second album.
The pursuit of Gloria is a major surprise, but she would be the ideal signing to give the show some much needed fresh blood. The curveball move is sparked by Simon being a huge fan of the star.
She has talent show experience after being a mentor on the US show The Next: Fame Is At Your Doorstep alongside Joe Jonas and Nelly, plus she has a global fanbase.
Whatever the outcome, it’s great to see Simon freshening things up… It was definitely needed!
