Jacqueline Jossa ‘in talks to join Celebrity X Factor line up’

Actress Jacqueline Jossa is said to be in talks for the Celebrity X Factor line up.

Simon Cowell previously revealed plans to postpone the sixteenth regular series of the singing contest in favour of two spin-offs.

One will be a ‘champions’ edition featuring fan favourites from past years, while the other will feature celebrity contestants.

Rumour has it that former EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa could be one of the names on the line up.

She is best known for playing Lauren Branning in the BBC One soap between 2010 and 2018.

“She couldn’t keep it a secret and has been telling pals she’s so excited and can’t wait to show off her amazing voice,” a source ‘close to Jacqueline’ told The Sun newspaper.

An insider added to the tabloid that the final line up decision had yet to be made.

They explained: “Jacqueline has joined a long list of really talented celebrities so it’s a difficult decision whether to take her forward for the show or not.”

As yet exact details from potential contestants and judges to the format have to be confirmed.

Rumour has it that Simon could be joined on the panel by some familiar faces from past series, after Robbie and Ayda Williams both quit.

Louis Walsh has been tipped to return together with the likes of Cheryl, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and even Dannii Minogue.

Other celebrity contestants linked to the series have included Gemma Collins and her boyfriend James Arg Argent.

Another hopeful name is none other than Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams – if Simon can persuade him.

Simon said: “I think David [Walliams] might enter, ­seriously, that would be amazing.”

And it’s not just for fun: The winner is set to scoop a record deal – just like the regular version.

They’ll also compete for the Christmas Number 1 spot, something The X Factor has failed to get close to in recent years.

It’s expected both Celebrity X Factor and its All Stars spin-off will air in the autumn on ITV.