Dannii Minogue to be replaced by Mel B?

London: Music mogul Simon Cowell is secretly lining up ex-Spice Girl Melanie Brown to replace Dannii Minogue on the X Factor next year.The 34-year-old singer is reportedly in talks with bosses of the ITV show after current judge Dannii Minogue hinted she may quit the show to start a family.

Former `Destiny`s Child` singer Kelly Rowland, 28, is also being considered for the job, according to the Daily Mirror. Dannii, 38, has reportedly have told Cowell that she may not return next year. She has publically spoken of her boyfriend Kris Smith`s desire to start a family, and has also complained of feeling the `odd one out` on the show. "Simon thinks Mel would be brilliant as she is outspoken, down-to-earth and won`t hold back. There were times in the current series that he felt things were a bit boring and he is certain sparks will fly with her on board," a source told. "It will be interesting to see whether she and Cheryl Cole will gel or whether it will be handbags at dawn," the source added. But Cowell thought the show was `a bit boring` in parts, according to reports. Kelly Rowland was tiped to take over from Dannii when it looked like she may leave earlier this year and was invited to Simon`s 50th birthday party. "Although it hasn`t been officially confirmed, it is highly likely Dannii won`t be on the panel next year and Simon is already thinking about a replacement," the source added. PTI