09:36 21 May 2012
Geri Halliwell is apparently set to join the X Factor panel as a guest judge once again.
The former Spice Girl will sit alongside Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos when auditions for this series of the reality show begin later this week, according to The Mirror.
A production source reportedly told the newspaper:
"Geri certainly isn't afraid to speak her mind and that's exactly what the show needs. She was in the Spice Girls, one of the biggest bands in pop history, so she knows exactly what it takes to succeed in this industry.
"She's a tough cookie and has dealt with everything the music business has thrown at her, so she's well qualified to spot contestants who have the talent and the personality to make it... no doubt her feisty personality will make for some brilliant television."
Halliwell will become the best selling X Factor judge, having sold more records than the other judges combined.
X Factor bosses are currently seeking a permanent judge to complete the panel after Dannii Minogue apparently declined an offer to return to the show.
It has also been reported that Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Gwen Stefani, Tinie Tempah and Alicia Keys will join the panel as temporary judges.
Former X Factor USA judge Nicole Scherzinger and Katy Perry are both understood to have refused the chance to return to the judging table.
Filmed auditions for the X Factor will begin in Liverpool on Wednesday 23 May 2012.