'The X Factor' 2016: Mel B Returns To Judging Panel, As Nicole Scherzinger Misses Auditions

As if auditioning wasn't 'scary' enough...

Mel B is to return as a judge on ‘The X Factor’, it has been confirmed.

However, Spice Girls fans hoping the new series will be getting a lot more zig-ah-zig-ah shouldn’t get too excited, as she’s only filling in for Nicole Scherzinger at Friday’s auditions (17 June) while she honours a prior commitment.

We’re guessing this “prior commitment” isn’t in any way related to Andrew Lloyd Webber

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Mel B
Danny Martindale via Getty Images

Mel was previously a judge on ‘The X Factor’ for one series in 2014, mentoring finalist Andrea Faustini.

She’s since appeared alongside Simon Cowell on the judging panel of ‘America’s Got Talent’.

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Mel B and Simon Cowell pose with fellow 'AGT' judges Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum
NBC via Getty Images

We don’t envy Friday’s batch of hopefuls, having to perform in front of the always-honest Mel B and Sharon Osbourne, who has already assured viewers that she’s taking no prison with her return to the show.

Prior to her return to the ‘X Factor’ panel, Mel B hit the headlines earlier this year over claims she was planning a special project with her former bandmates Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell.

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