Mel B in talks to judge X Factor 2013

ITV bosses like her "Northern appeal"

Mel B is in negotiations to judge X Factor 2013 (Getty Images)

Mel B is reported to be in negotiations to appear as a judge on The X Factor 2013.

The Spice Girl is in talks with ITV chiefs to replace judge Tulisa Contostavlos on the 10th series of the prime-time show, according to The Mirror.

The news comes a week after it was confirmed the singer will replace Sharon Osbourne as a judge on America’s Got Talent.

Mel B has served as a judge on Australian X Factor and last year appeared as a guest judge on the UK version of the show.

A source told The Mirror: “Mel did fantastically and proved a big draw on the ratings front. She is just what the show needs to liven it up- fresh, bolshy and opinionated- and Simon in a big fan.

“Mel is also Northern which, although it sounds ridiculous, has proved important with audiences up north.”

Tulisa, 24, was criticised for turning up late to some rehearsals and for being “too distracted” with her personal life in November. It is yet to be confirmed whether she will be dropped from the show.

Simon Cowell is under increasing pressure to achieve better TV ratings for this year’s series of The X Factor- the last in the current ten year Syco deal with ITV- after the 2012 final achieved the lowest ratings in six years.