X Factor winner Leona Lewis is being lined up for a role as a guest judge on the show.

The Bleeding Love singer is in talks to step in over the coming days while show bosses work on a permanent replacement for Kelly Rowland.

Leona won the ITV1 competition in 2006 and has become a global star since finding fame on the show, with three UK number ones.

The 27-year-old would follow Geri Halliwell as a guest for this year's show, with the former Spice Girl appearing at the Liverpool audition this week.

Also said to be in the running for a temporary spot on the panel is chart-topper Rita Ora, currently at number one with her single R.I.P.

Geri's former Spice Girls bandmate Mel B is also taking a turn on the panel, alongside regulars Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos.

Kelly announced last month she would not be returning to the panel after taking part in the 2011 series. Talks to engineer a return for Dannii Minogue fell through last week.

Geri dazzled the crowds outside the Echo Arena in Liverpool yesterday by arriving in a blue lace mini-dress with high-heeled ankle boots. And to ensure she had their attention, she clambered on to the roof of a car and addressed fans through a loudhailer.