Leona Lewis could be an X Factor judge this year

Leona Lewis could be an X Factor judge for this year’s special series, it’s been reported.

X Factor boss Simon Cowell last week announced plans for a huge shake up to the show for 2019.

He revealed hopes to air both a Celebrity and All Star version of X Factor this year.

The TV chief suggested that The X Factor will broadcast two separate shows back to back this autumn, one seeing celebrities compete and the other featuring a line up of past contestants.

Simon told The Sun newspaper. “I’ve had a meeting with ITV, I’ve told them what I think we’d like to do with X Factor because we’ve been waiting to have this opportunity.”

Simon described the upcoming series as a “huge change”, continuing: “We haven’t exactly confirmed the dates or the order of the shows, but essentially there are going to be two versions of X Factor running this year.

“I think it’s going to be huge, it’s the best I’ve felt about this show in years.”

Now it’s been claimed that Simon is keen to sign former X Factor winner Leona Lewis in a role.

The 2006 champ appeared on the series last year as a helper at Simon’s judges’ houses.

A source told The Sun: “Simon definitely wants her in the frame. He was impressed with her input on the series last year and is working out how they can keep her in the picture.”

Meanwhile, a number of X Factor stars have ruled themselves out of any ‘All Star’ series.

2016 runner up Saara Aalto said: “I just did it two-and-a-half years ago so I feel it’s a bit early. I’m doing Dancing On Ice and I’m just exhausted. I’ve done so many reality shows now.”

And Fleur East said: “I don’t think I personally would because I did it the first time in 2005 in a group and then in 2014.

“It went so well, it was so amazing. So a third time, I’d be pushing it a bit, wouldn’t I?”

As yet, official plans for The X Factor this year have not been announced by ITV.

The X Factor typically begins on TV in September.