Sharon Osbourne reveals X Factor bosses asked her to return for celeb series

She's in demand!

Sharon Osbourne

by Tiffany Wallis |
Updated on

Sharon Osbourne has revealed that she has turned down a recent offer from X Factor bosses.

The 66-year-old star revealed she was approached by producers to make a comeback and be a judge on the celebrity version of The X Factor, but she said no...

59-year-old music mogul Simon Cowell was reportedly choosing a panel of judges for the celebrity version of the show, which is due to air in October, and requested his old friend Sharon to make a return.

The X Factor judges 2007
©Getty

In an interview with The Sun, Sharon said: "One of the producers asked me in May of this year, I was over in London and they asked me. I said, ‘no. I just can’t’.

Hinting that the show has changed a lot over the years, Sharon divulged: “I was there when the show was amazing. It was just fantastic and I would like to leave it like that."

Simon Cowell will return to the judging panel, alongside Louis Walsh and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Sharon confessed to the publication that she was shocked by Louis' return. She said: "Can you believe he’s gone back?"

Sharon Osbourne
©Getty

The star, who is married to legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, judged The X Factor alongside Simon Cowell from 2004 to 2007, then again in 2013 and in 2016.

Sharon also took a cheeky dig at Simon's new appearance. She joked: "The teeth are too white again...otherwise I think he looks great. He’s dropped weight and it’s great for him."

The celebrity version of The X Factor is expected to land on our screens in October this year, with rumoured famous faces including Vinnie Jones and rugby player Ben Foden.

Other sources suggest former Love Islanders Zara McDermott, Eyal Booker, Wes Nelson and Samira Mighty could be in the line-up.

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Celebrity X Factor: Which celebrities are taking part in the celebrity version of The X Factor?

Gallery

HEAT Celebrity X Factor rumoured line up slider with cover pic

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Swipe through to see which celebrities are rumoured to take part in Celebrity X Factor...

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Sinitta

It's X Factor - Sinitta HAS to be involved somehow! But she wouldn't be taking part as a contestant... Sinitta has spoken out about the possibility of being on the judging panel, telling Closer magazine, "There have been discussions, but I haven't signed a contract yet. I'd love to do it, though – Simon's switching up the formula this year so I'd love to be involved."

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Gemma Collins

Reality queen GC is reportedly set to appear on the show, having been on pretty much every single other reality show there is! A source told the Daily Star, "We want big and exciting stars and The GC is popular and we reckon she makes entertaining viewing. Simon has handled many divas over the years with the likes of Sharon Osbourne and Mel B, so we reckon he will be able to deal with this Essex one." Plus there's the fact that Gemma wowed the audience of All Together Now recently when she sang 'Big Spender'!

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David Walliams

Simon's pal and fellow Britain's Got Talent David Walliams has thrown his own hat into the ring, telling Radio Times that he's already "mentioned it" to Simon. "I cannot sing a note, so I'd fit in very well," he joked. "It would be fun. I don't know if it's going to happen but I would love to be on it. I've always loved The X Factor. I got to be on it last year with Robbie Williams at Judges' Houses so I would love to be on that stage, doing a duet with Wagner."

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Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan

The Chase's Jenny Ryan is incredibly popular with viewers of the show, and actually has a wonderful singing voice - something she showed off for Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief last year with her fellow quizmasters. A source has said she could be the "dark horse" of this competition.

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John Barrowman

Of course, John Barrowman needs no introduction, and he never misses an opportunity to flaunt his incredible vocals. The West End star told Metro that he'd "love to do it", adding, "It's one of those things where if I'm asked I'd do it, like anything, I'd do it at the drop of a hat as long as I know I'm gonna have fun doing it."

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Olivia Olson

You'd be forgiven for not recognising her name - but surely you remember the little girl with the incredible voice singing 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' in Love Actually? An insider revealed that show bosses wanted to keep the line-up "varied" and that Olivia would be a "great shout".

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Brendan Cole

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole is reportedly being eyed up by ITV bosses after his dramatic exit from the BBC show. An insider said, "Brendan is a big character and the bosses are sure that he will be a big draw for their audience. His Strictly fans aside, they are expecting people to tune in to see how his singing compares to his dancing." Brendan has showed off his vocal abilities before, singing with Beverley Knight on Just The Two Of Us in 2007.

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Megan McKenna

TOWIE star Megan McKenna is already a singer in her own right, having released single 'High Heeled Shoes' last year. However, it looks as though Megan could be attempting to win over Simon once again, having previously auditioned on Britain's Got Talent in 2009 as part of girl band Harmony and on The X Factor in 2014 and 2015 as a solo artist. When asked on Loose Women, Megan was decidedly evasive, and said, "I'd seen the rumours as well. I mean, I love that show. But I don't know anything about that. But I do love that show, it's amazing."

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Love Island group

Love Island 2018 alumni Zara McDermott, Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty and Eyal Booker are apparently joining forces to be a group on the show. Of course, Samira is a West End star and Eyal was previously in a pop band, and apparently the four of them have been "discussing songs" and are all "confident that they can hold a tune."

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