SIMON Cowell is at war with his X Factor co-stars over who to call in to save the show.
Judges Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow yesterday declared Simon’s arch-enemy Sharon Osbourne would be the ideal choice to join them.
But Simon wants new star Rita Ora to take the fourth judge’s spot, believing the No.1 singer would be a smash hit with younger viewers.
Gary, Louis and Tulisa have all urged original judge Sharon, 59, to fill the missing seat left by Kelly Rowland.
Take That star Gary ruled out former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 39, becoming a permanent judge, claiming she wasn’t popular enough with fans.
Chatting to the Daily Star Sunday, Tulisa, 23, said: “I’d love Sharon Osbourne to come back. She’s the female boss.”
Sharon’s best pal Louis, 59, quickly joined in the campaign to get her back, saying: “I’d love Sharon to come back too. I always had so much fun with her.”
Head judge Gary waded in, saying: “Sharon isn’t a stupid suggestion. She’d be amazing.
“Like Tulisa said, she’s the ultimate female boss.”
But Gary feared Sharon, who left in 2008, would not return because of her bitter feud with show boss Cowell, 52, who she slammed for his treatment of ex-judge Dannii Minogue, 40.
Gary, 41, said: “I don’t know if she would come back. I don’t really know anything about the politics.
“I personally thought Dannii would be great too.
“The only thing is the show likes to move forward so that might be a problem.”
Cowell is known to favour 21-year-old Ora, currently topping the singles charts with R.I.P.
A source said: “It’s hers to lose. If she does well as a guest judge on Monday, she’s got a real chance of getting the job.
“Bosses have been hugely impressed by her in meetings and they feel she has an amazing future.
“She’s the girl of the moment – and she’s incredibly sexy.”
Gary ruled out Geri taking a permanent seat on the judging panel. He blasted: “I don’t think the audience liked her. She got booed.
“I like Geri, I’ve known her for years, she’s got a good energy but I don’t know if she should be on the panel, to be honest. But I’d give her a few more days.
“I remember us guys last year, it took us a few weeks to get into that role of being a voice.”
The fourth judge’s chair is still up for grabs after a host of big stars turned down the job.
Dannii and Kylie Minogue, 43, have both said no, as have Katy Perry, 27, Rihanna, 24, and last year’s judge Kelly, 31.
Former champ Leona Lewis, 27, who stood in at the London auditions yesterday, also ruled herself out.
The Bleeding Love singer said: “I don’t think I’d do it full time, really. I’m busy with my new album.”
As well as Rita, Nicole Scherzinger, 33, and Tinie Tempah, 23, have been booked for a temporary slot.
Australian X Factor judge Mel B, 36, is also being considered after Geri’s disastrous trial run in Liverpool last Wednesday.
Scary Spice will fill in during the Manchester dates.
Britain’s Got Talent phenomenon Susan Boyle, 51, has even been suggested as a stand-in for Glasgow. But producers are worried she is not up to the job.
The crisis-hit show was dealt a further blow when Gary’s Take That pal Robbie Williams, 38, ruled himself out of a planned role.
When asked yesterday about his rumoured appearance at the London dates, Robbie said: “I’m not guest judging.
“I’m not doing it.
“I’m not bothered who they get.
“I don’t know who Gary would want, you will have to ask him.
“I’m not helping him at Judges’ Houses this time.”
On hearing the comments, a surprised Gary added: “There was talk of Robbie being a guest judge but I’m not sure now.
“He’s the biggest fan of this show, so I could definitely see him turning up for an hour maybe.
“He’s only flown in for Soccer Aid so I’m not sure if he’ll have time.
“It’s so last minute all this, that’s the problem.”
The three judges admitted they hadn’t heard a word from Cowell, saying he was too busy with Britney Spears on the US show. Louis said: “We’ve not heard or spoken to Simon. He’s busy in America.”
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