Mel B, Robbie 'not joining X Factor'

Wednesday, March 31 2010, 11:45 BST

By Daniel Kilkelly, Entertainment Reporter

Rex Features

Simon Cowell has no plans to approach Mel B or Robbie Williams as permanent replacements for Dannii Minogue on The X Factor, a report has claimed.

The pair have been linked to the ITV1 reality show several times in recent months amid uncertainty surrounding Minogue's future as a panellist.

However, discussing Mel's chances of joining the programme, a source told The Sun: "That ain't going to happen. Mel's lovely but she will not be getting a judging position."

On Williams, the insider added: "Robbie will be a guest judge one day but he won't be permanent."

X Factor bosses are also expected to rule out having five panellists on the forthcoming series, as was rumoured last year.

The source explained: "The fifth judge idea is looking doubtful. The show would get pretty big - and it's already a monster."

Reports suggest that Cowell will replace Minogue if the singer does not promise to give The X Factor her full attention when she becomes a mother.