X Factor 2011 (UK show)

[Perdita]

X Factor producers are in talks with Facebook over new voting methods for the TV show, say reports.

According to The Sun, Simon Cowell wants viewers to be able to select their favourite acts via the social-networking site through a credit system.

UK fans will apparently be allowed to buy credits on the site and use them to vote for their preferred singers. Meanwhile, US viewers will vote either through an app or by 'liking' the acts.

"For Simon it makes voting easier for millions of fans," said a source. "And for Facebook, it encourages millions more to join and get involved in the interactive aspect of the show."

ITV and Fox are apparently resolving security issues ahead of a possible rollout for when the US and UK series launch in the autumn.

DS

[Perdita]

X FACTOR plans were in turmoil last night after bosses realised their London auditions before judges will clash with the Royal Wedding.
Thousands of hopefuls are set to descend on the O2 Arena for three days in April - including the 29th.

The Royal Family will be just five miles away at Prince William's do. Airspace will be shut, stopping the show chopper flying, and staff walkie talkies won't work in an anti-terror move.

Producers face tearing up their plans as Simon Cowell makes his final choice for judges. A security source said: "They've a massive headache."

The Sun

[Perdita]

Naomi Campbell is being lined up to replace Cheryl Cole on 'The X Factor'.

The 40-year-old supermodel is reportedly in the running to fill the shoes of the 'Promise This' singer - who is widely believed to be quitting the ITV1 show in favour of a position on the US 'X Factor' later in the year - for the upcoming series alongside current judges Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue.

ITV bosses are now also looking for a worldwide male star to replace Simon Cowell on the show's judging panel amid concerns the departure of the 51-year-old music mogul could be a ratings catastrophe.

An insider told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "'X Factor' chiefs are also looking for a male star with a global reach on the same scale as Naomi to help shore up the panel, amid fears the departure of Simon and Cheryl will send ratings into freefall.

"Naomi is seen as being of the calibre of celebrity needed to inject new glamour and maintain peak ratings."

Despite critics believing Naomi has a lack of musical authority to warrant a lucrative place on the judging panel, the British beauty has previously spoken out about her love for the show and boss Simon Cowell.

She recently said: "Simon is an institution. I love him. I watch 'The X Factor' every week and it drives my boyfriend insane. I'm torn about who I want to win."

(C) BANG Media International


Does she know anything about music?

[Perdita]

Lily Allen has held talks about joining the X Factor judging panel, according to a report.

The Sun claims that the 'Not Fair' singer has received Simon Cowell's backing to join the show, which it is claimed he will not appear on due to commitments over the upcoming American competition.

"Lily was flattered to get Simon's call," a source told the paper. "It's a big job and an honour to be asked. But she's not convinced.

"She has tried to take a step back from the limelight over the last six months and doesn't want to be thrust right back into the madness of the showbiz pantomime that comes with the show."

They added: "She doesn't need the money or the hassle at this stage in her life. Maybe in a few years' time when circumstances change she will be more receptive."

Allen has been a regular critic of the reality show, previously branding it "scripted" and once ruled herself out of appearing on it.

DS

[Perdita]

Cheryl Cole will return as a judge on the UK version of X Factor after landing a new deal, according to a report.

The Daily Mirror claims that Simon Cowell arranged a secret big-money contract for the Girls Aloud star after failing to secure her a role on the US version of the reality show.

"Cheryl is thrilled about the new deal. She thought her days on the UK X Factor were behind her but the money is too good to refuse," a source told the paper. "This is Simon's way of making it up to Cheryl for not landing her the US X Factor gig.

"She was convinced Simon had pulled all the strings to get her on the judging panel but it's been a disaster. Now Cheryl will make twice the money she was on last year."

The insider continued: "Simon has told her he's going to look after her and he has a lot of surprises in store for this year's show. He's going to shake things up dramatically and make some big changes. He wants the new format to be much edgier and Cheryl will play a major role in that.

"She's going to be returning with a bang and with Simon no longer appearing on the show he's banking on Cheryl to stir things up."

It had been claimed that network bosses were hesitant about signing Cole over concerns that she is not famous enough in the US and that her accent would cause problems.


DS

[tammyy2j]

^ Oh no

Saying that is Lily Allen joins also as a judge should be fun to watch them

[Perdita]

Lily Allen has reportedly been offered £550,000 to become a judge on The X Factor.

The singer, who was linked to the role earlier this week, is said to be the producers' number one choice to replace Simon Cowell when he launches the singing competition in the US.

Bosses have been wooing the 'Not Fair' star for six months and offered her the six-figure deal just before Christmas, the Daily Star Sunday reports. She has also been told that she can miss half the show's auditions to match her schedule.

A source said: "Both Syco (Cowell's company) and ITV are massive Lily Allen fans and the amount of money they're offering her makes it clear they think she will be the biggest draw on the show.

"She's known to have strong opinions and has huge credibility. There was a fear her hectic schedule may interfere with filming, so they've offered to divide the auditions between the judges."

Meanwhile, Louis Walsh is said to be considering a £450,000 offer to return to the panel and Dannii Minogue is "highly likely" to be offered a new deal.

DS

[tammyy2j]

Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue have reportedly been told that they will have to formally apply for their roles on the X Factor judging panel.

According to The Mirror, the duo are "embarrassed and frustrated" after discovering that they have to go through an interview to secure their positions on the UK show.

"Simon [Cowell] wants them both back on the panel because he loves the chemistry the pair has developed," an insider told the paper. "The fact he has ordered them to reaudition and screen-test for their jobs is something of a formality - both are assured of the position.

"However, it is still pretty galling and to have to go through the motions of explaining why they would be good for the role, and what they could bring to the position, is extremely frustrating."

The source continued: "But Simon is determined to avoid complacency this series and wants all the judges to be at the top of their game. They are two of the most sought-after jobs in the industry so it's only fair they apply for their places just like anybody else.

"During the application process, the duo will answer questions about mistakes they made in previous shows and in what ways they would approach mentoring in 2011 - things to help freshen up this series, making it bigger and better than ever. Dannii especially is pretty embarrassed about the whole charade."

With continued uncertainty as to Cowell and Cheryl Cole's positions on both the UK and US versions of the show, recent reports have suggested that Lily Allen has been approached to join the ITV1 competition.

"Simon has a lot of names in the frame but is waiting until the last moment to announce them," the source added.

[Perdita]

X FACTOR bosses launched a probe amid fears GARY GLITTER yesterday joined queuing wannabes - and got an audition.
The loathed pop paedo was said to have mingled with thousands who flocked to London's O2 arena.

Dozens standing near a man sporting a Glitter-like goatee swore it was him.

Horrified Jay Brown, 37, said: "We recognised who it was immediately, despite his hat and glasses.

"I Googled pictures of him on my Blackberry phone - and saw a couple of moles on his cheekbone, and a line of scarring on the right side of his face.

"When I tried to take his picture he kept turning away."

He told how the man queued for eight hours - swearing about the cold and singing: "Why are we effing waiting?"

Jay said: "I also recognised the gravelly voice."

A pal said he too was convinced. The man, clutching a hessian bag containing what onlookers assumed were props, was last seen going into the audition arena at around 1.10pm.

A source on the ITV talent show said: "Production staff were being questioned and tapes looked at."

Glitter, 66 - convicted of a string of child sex crimes - has used aliases such as Paul Russell, Paul Raven and Horace Hydrogen. His real name is Paul Gadd.

Last night an X Factor spokesman said they had investigated - and believed it was not him.

[Perdita]

Robbie Williams has reportedly turned down a £2 million offer to join the X Factor.

Star magazine claims that the Take That singer has asked for a bigger deal to replace Simon Cowell on the judging panel.

"With Simon leaving to judge the US show, he's convinced Robbie would be the perfect successor. Rob's likeable, opinionated and funny," a source said. "But money has been a stumbling block. He wants more of an incentive to put himself out there on live TV every week."

Meanwhile, Williams is to be worried about the affect the work could have on his marriage.

"Ayda loves the limelight, and there are rumours she's in talks for the next series of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. But Rob prefers the idea of a quiet life," the source added. "If he had his way, he'd move to a desert island and live like a recluse.

"He also wants a baby in the near future, and that's going to be tricky enough to fit in with the upcoming Take That tour as it is."

DS