AXE Factor: Simon Cowell has 'fired Mel B from The X Factor after just one series'... while Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is expected to return as a judge

By Kate Thomas for MailOnline

Published: 19:43 EST, 22 April 2015 | Updated: 04:30 EST, 23 April 2015

It was confirmed last month that Dermot O'Leary had quit his role as host.

And now another fan favourite looks set to bite the dust, with a new report claiming Mel B has been sensationally axed from the show after just one series as a judge, despite impressing viewers with her down-to-earth personality and honest critiques.

Show boss Simon Cowell has allegedly decided not to renew the Spice Girls singer's contract as part of his master plan to revamp the long-running ITV talent competition.

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Axed: Mel B will reportedly not be returning to The X Factor judging panel alongside Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, while Louis Walsh's fate is still unknown

Axed: Mel B will reportedly not be returning to The X Factor judging panel alongside Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, while Louis Walsh's fate is still unknown

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Bosses are evolving The X Factor and it has been decided Mel won't return.'

'Simon and the producers are now looking for a replacement for Mel', a second insider added.

'If they fail to find a suitable candidate there is a small chance she could be back.'

Popular addition: Scary Spice won over viewers with her no-nonsense attitude in her first year as a judge, so Simon's decision comes as something of a surprise

Popular addition: Scary Spice won over viewers with her no-nonsense attitude in her first year as a judge, so Simon's decision comes as something of a surprise

Meanwhile, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is said to be a shoo-in to return to the judging panel alongside music mogul Simon, whereas show veteran Louis Walsh could be facing the same fate as Mel.

The pop princess has allegedly been offered £2million to rejoin the show, a £500,000 increase on her fee last year.

Simon appeared to confirm the rumours when quizzed about the all-important line-up for the upcoming twelfth series.

Signing on: Cheryl is said to have inked a £2million deal to return to the ITV competition

Signing on: Cheryl is said to have inked a £2million deal to return to the ITV competition

'Cheryl and me are fine', he declared while discussing who was likely to make a comeback, before adding that nothing was 'set in stone'.

Following lovable host Dermot's shock departure, it was recently confirmed former Xtra Factor double act Caroline Flack and Olly Murs would be filling his shoes.

A spokesman for The X Factor told MailOnline: 'No final decisions have been taken on the full judging panel.'

Shaking things up: Show boss Simon is hoping to completely revamp the format in a bid to win back viewers

Shaking things up: Show boss Simon is hoping to completely revamp the format in a bid to win back viewers

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