14 DAY TRIAL // Shortly after singer Dannii Minogue announced that she was expecting her first child, speculation started to make the rounds as to what will happen with her position as judge on X factor once she gives birth. The idea of finding a replacement for her emerged, with many saying former Scary Spice of the Spice Girls Mel B, might come to occupy the vacant chair.
Now, the Daily Mail has the closest thing to a confirmation that, indeed, the show’s producers are in secret talks with Mel B for the gig. The star herself dropped a huge hint the other day, when she tried to avoid questions and put an end to speculation – and eventually did precisely the contrary. With her evasive answer, Mel B let is slip that she is familiar with the situation behind closed doors and even that she might know a definite solution is about to be announced, the tab believes.
“Mel B has given the strongest indication yet she will step in to replace pregnant Dannii Minogue on the X Factor judging panel. The Mail told how X Factor bosses held secret talks with the fiery former Spice Girl in Los Angeles last month. And the 34-year-old singer has let slip in a new interview: ‘I can’t really talk about that because I don’t think it’s my place to, but I’m sure some announcement’s going to happen at some point and then we’ll all know!’” the Mail writes.
Danni won’t be gone for good, though. “[Mel B] is being lined up as one of a string of celebrity judges to fill in for Miss Minogue, 38, who is due to give birth to her first child in July – back home in Melbourne, Australia. Miss Minogue is poised to return to the ITV talent show for the live shows and has met with X Factor chiefs, who are keen to see her make a comeback after the birth of her baby. A source close to the petite brunette revealed: ‘Dannii is working on a deal with the X Factor, an offer has been made – but negotiations are still in the early stages. It looks promising though’,” the same publication writes.
When word first got out that Melanie Brown was considered as replacement for Dannii on the upcoming season of the show, it was believed Simon Cowell too had a hand in it. Admittedly, he felt last season of the show lacked a certain something, so he wanted to take advantage of the fact that Dannii was pregnant and replace her with someone who would boost ratings, someone more outspoken and more fun.