Mel B to live up to scary name in new judging position

ITV has confirmed Spice Girl Melanie B is to join Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh on the judging panel of this year’s X Factor.

This will be the second time Mel B has appeared on The X Factor after appearing as a guest judge on The X Factor in 2012. Mel is best known for being part of the biggest selling female group of all time, The Spice Girls, Mel B has notched up a stunning 80 million record sales worldwide, including nine UK No.1s. She also has five prestigious BRIT Awards to her name.

Talking about joining the panel Mel B says: “I’m so excited to be joining The X Factor – I loved being a guest judge back in 2012. I’ve always thought honesty is the best policy when being a judge and that’s what I’m going to bring more of this year – whether it’s spotting an incredible singer, giving someone a reality check or debating with Simon over who’s got it wrong!  Now I can’t wait to get started and find some amazing talent.”

The X Factor creator, Simon Cowell, says:  “I am thrilled that Mel B has agreed to be a judge on The X Factor this year. I thought she was fantastic as a guest judge a couple of years ago. She is feisty, opinionated and, I believe, will be a great mentor.”

Simon and former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, both make a return to the show for the first time since 2010, and joins Louis Walsh on the panel with Dermot O’Leary returning to present.

Louis Walsh says, “It should be a fun year this year with both Simon and Cheryl returning and I think Mel will keep us all on our toes, she is Scary Spice after all.”

Dermot O’Leary says, “Mel was great as a guest judge a couple of years ago and she certainly doesn’t mince her words. With Mel on the panel, along with Simon, Cheryl and Louis, I’ll have my hands full – we’re going to be in for an exciting year.”

Richard Holloway, acting CEO, FremantleMedia UK says,

“I’m delighted that Mel B will be completing the judging panel for this year’s X Factor. She’s feisty and fiery and I’m sure that she’ll keep all of the contestants and her fellow judges in check, as well as finding some great talent.”

Filming for the new series begins next week with an audition tour taking place in four cities across the UK – Manchester, London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

The X Factor returns to ITV later this year.