Leona Lewis returning to X Factor on Tuesday to replace busy Rita Ora

Published May 28 2012, 20:04 BST  |  By

Leona Lewis will appear at the X Factor London auditions on Tuesday afternoon (May 29) to cover for Rita Ora.

'R.I.P' hitmaker Ora will leave her seat on the panel at midday as she has to prepare for her support slot at Coldplay's Coventry leg of their tour in the evening.

Leona Lewis

© Leona Lewis, Christopher Ameruoso

Guest judge Rita Ora arriving at the X Factor London auditions at the O2 arena

© Rex Features



The 'Bleeding Love' singer, who was originally signed up for a guest slot on Saturday (May 26), will return for another day.

Executives are still searching for a replacement for Kelly Rowland, who departed the ITV singing show in April.

Spice Girls star Mel B is rumoured to serve as the last guest judge before a full-time fourth member is hired.

Fellow girl group member Geri Halliwell became the first temporary panellist in the Liverpool round of auditions last week.

Sharon Osbourne, who was part of the X Factor lineup between 2004 and 2007, has been backed to rejoin the show by Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.

> The X Factor fourth judge conundrum: Who should replace Kelly Rowland?

Watch Matt Cardle talk to Digital Spy about the vacant X Factor spot below:

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Leona LewisRita OraColdplayKelly RowlandMel BGeri HalliwellSharon OsbourneGary BarlowTulisa ContostavlosLouis WalshMatt CardleReality TVX Factor

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