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The X Factor: Louis Walsh claims Nicole Scherzinger could be replaced by Mel B

Yes, ladies and gents, it really is that time of year where the rumour mill is rife with X Factor line-up speculation as we eagerly await the new series of the show.

And, of course, no series of the ITV singing competition would be complete without judge Louis Walsh stirring the pot and causing the kind of trouble that only he can get away with.

Could this be our 2017 line-up?
Could this be our 2017 line-up?

The latest speculation to come from Louis’ mouth is that his fellow judge, Nicole Scherzinger, could be replaced by Mel B this year, with Mel being a close friend of mogul Simon Cowell after they worked on America’s Got Talent together.

Mel is also no stranger to the UK line-up, previously replacing Scherzy as a judge back in 2014 and also filling in for her during the audition stages of last year’s series when Nic was away with other commitments.

Speaking to The Mirror, Louis dished all of the goss, sharing: “She (Nicole) might be getting a big movie like ‘Wicked’.

Nicole is a popular X Factor judge.
Nicole is a popular X Factor judge.

“If so, Mel B would be a good idea for the panel. Mel is on the US show with Simon.”

The job would no doubt be a welcome fresh start for Mel, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce with her estranged husband, Stephen Belafonte.

The pair hit the headlines last month when Mel was granted a restraining order against her ex amid physical, emotional and sexual abuse allegations, which Mel is expected to relive during their court case.

Secondo la bionda tata la relazione tra lei, Mel B e Stephen Belafonte sarebbe andata avanti sette anni. Dopo le accuse della ex Spice Girl, adesso è Lorraine Gilles ad aver adito alle vie legali e ha denunciato Mel B per diffamazione. (Credits - Getty Images)
Mel is in the middle of a bitter divorce from Stephen Belafonte.

Although Louis isn’t sure on Scherzy’s X Factor fate, the star went on to insist that he will remain on The X Factor for at least another two years, despite being axed and reinstated twice before by Simon.

He continued: “I am signed for the next two series on ‘X Factor’.”

Despite Louis’ suggestions, Simon previously admitted that he hopes to keep the line-up exactly the same for the next series of The X Factor following the success of last year.

He said at the time: “I don’t think for the moment we’d want to make any changes.

“It worked on ‘X Factor’ last year and the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ panel works really well.

Simon is keen to keep the line-up the same.
Simon is keen to keep the line-up the same.

“There’s always room to come up with new ideas for shows but you’ve got to look at the whole landscape. It’s a crowded market.”

Meanwhile, Simon’s close pal, Sinitta, hinted that there was a lot of change ahead in this year’s series of The X Factor, cryptically tweeting last month: “We have not even had @BGT live shows yet and already my head is reeling at the changes coming up on @TheXFactor 2017!! Is it your time?!! [sic]”

Needless to say, we can’t wait to find out what Simon has done with the show.

We have contacted Mel’s rep for comment.

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