Mel B is to temporarily replace Nicole Scherzinger as a judge on ‘The X Factor’ after “other commitments” forced the former Pussycat Doll to cancel appearances at the show’s auditions this summer.

Scherzinger has cited a “diary clash” that had been set up before she agreed to return to the panel of ‘The X Factor’ last month, and therefore she won’t be present at the London auditions on Friday (June 17th). Instead, the former Spice Girl – also previously a judge on the 2014 series of the reality show – will be taking her place for the day.

Mel BMel B is to temporarily stand in for Nicole Scherzinger on 'The X Factor' auditions

“Mel’s coming in as a guest judge to cover Nicole because she isn’t able to make the first day of filming,” a source told The Sun. “This is a diary clash that Nicole had booked in before she agreed to do X Factor and couldn’t change. Mel has been working with Simon as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’ so was available to cover.”

Mother of three Mel, 41, previously made a good impression with viewers on the series two years ago with her forthright manner.

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“He [Cowell] also knows she’ll come in and take no prisoners so is the perfect temporary replacement for the day," the source continued.

She’ll be taking her place alongside her fellow returning judges, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, alongside the ever-present Cowell. Auditions kicked off last week, with the judging panel visiting major cities across the United Kingdom ahead of the show’s re-boot in September this year.

She’s been open about her love for the ITV reality show this year, telling Lorraine Kelly back in March: “I’d always love to be a part of ‘The X Factor’, it was a great show.”

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