The former Spice Girls singer was linked yesterday to a guest judging role as the show's producers seek a permanent replacement for Kelly Rowland on the panel.
The Mirror reports that her stint has been branded a "dress rehearsal" for the job, claiming that she will be given a permanent contract if she has chemistry with the other judges and impresses audience members.
"Simon [Cowell] was impressed with the way Geri handled herself during auditions a couple of years ago, and thinks she has the gravitas and star presence to really shake up the panel," a source told the paper. "She has a great chemistry with Louis [Walsh] and bosses expect these two to join forces against Gary [Barlow], which will make for great viewing."
The insider described Halliwell as a "lovely girl" who was full of enthusiasm about the show.
Adding that she had "had her confidence knocked over the years", the source labelled Halliwell "an absolute dream to deal with", saying: "Assuming she passes her final dress rehearsal at the auditions in Liverpool, the job is hers."
Halliwell's salary if she is made a permanent judge has been quoted as between £400,000 and £1.1 million.
The Sun has additionally claimed that Halliwell's former Spice Girls colleague Mel B - who is a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor - will be a guest panellist at the Manchester auditions.
