Reports today suggest BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw will join the judging panel on this year's X Factor.
The Daily Mirror reports Simon Cowell and ITV are hoping Grimmy will freshen up the panel bringing a new young audience with him.
X Factor bosses held secret talks and are apparently close to signing him, a BBC source told Mark Jefferies of the Daily Mirror: “Grimmy is one of the most well connected men in showbiz and will make a brilliant judge. It’s clear Cowell’s hope is that he will attract new viewers and artists to the show. “He feels fresher and more relevant than some of the previous judges.
“Louis has been a great servant to the show but he is out of touch now compared to up and coming stars like Grimmy. The hope is Grimmy can come in and Louis will leave.” Grimmy, whose showbiz pals include Harry Styles, Kate Moss, Rita Ora and Pixie Geldof, could even be confirmed as a judge in the coming weeks, with a deal said to be worth up to £1million. The source said: “There are complications because Grimmy has a Radio 1 contract with the BBC and will be working for ITV too. “But everyone seems confident something can be worked out. "The BBC will have mixed emotions. On one hand, he will be on ITV, on the other, it will raise the profile even more of his breakfast show on Radio 1.”
Previously Grimmy has said he would “love to do” something like The X Factor that “everyone’s talking about”.
Simon, 55, who will stay on as a judge, is said to be considering having three men on the panel for this series, which returns to our screens in the autumn. Cheryl would be the only woman on the panel.
Simon Cowell has promised to shake up the show this year with the first axe falling on host Dermot O'Leary. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack will now take over the presenting roles.
It is thought unlikely Mel B will return which leaves at least on seat to fill on the panel.
No official statement has been released from X Factor.
Watch Nick Kershaw interview Simon Cowell for Radio 1 last year.
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