Leeds’s Mel B ‘will bring honesty to X-Factor’

Mel B is the fourth X Factor judge in the next series of the singing contest.

NEW X Factor judge Mel B has promised to bring some “honesty” to the hit talent show.

The straight-talking former Spice Girl, who is from Leeds, has taken the final spot on the new judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole.

Mel, who appeared as a guest judge on the ITV show in 2012, said she was “so excited” to be coming back and is reported to have signed a deal worth £1 million.

She said:”I’ve always thought honesty is the best policy when being a judge and that’s what I’m going to bring more of this year - whether it’s spotting an incredible singer, giving someone a reality check or debating with Simon over who’s got it wrong. Now I can’t wait to get started and find some amazing talent.”

The 39-year-old, who has also appeared on America’s Got Talent and Australian X Factor, is currently in Sydney working as a judge on talent show The Voice Kids.

Cowell said he was “thrilled” by the appointment, saying: “I thought she was fantastic as a guest judge a couple of years ago. She is feisty, opinionated and, I believe, will be a great mentor.”

Filming on the new series starts next week with auditions in Manchester, London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.