Nick Grimshaw is in negotiations to join ‘The X Factor’.
The 30-year-old ‘Radio 1 Breakfast Show’ presenter is in talks to join the judging panel of the singing competition with a deal reportedly worth up to £1 million, as part of a bid for the show to appeal to a younger audience.
An insider said: "Grimmy is one of the most well connected men in showbiz and will make a brilliant judge. It’s clear Cowell’s hope is that he will attract new viewers and artists to the show.
"He feels fresher and more relevant than some of the previous judges."
The news comes just a day after it was revealed the show’s veteran judge Louis Walsh, who has appeared in all 11 series’, will not be returning, as part of a shake-up to refresh the primetime programme’s format.
The source said: "Louis has been a great servant to the show but he is out of touch now compared to up and coming stars like Grimmy. The hope is Grimmy can come in and Louis will leave."
However, Nick’s role on the Saturday night show is uncertain due to his contract with the BBC, which may stop him from taking part in the show on rival channel ITV.
The source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "There are complications because Grimmy has a Radio 1 contract with the BBC and will be working for ITV too.
"But everyone seems confident something can be worked out.
"The BBC will have mixed emotions. On one hand, he will be on ITV, on the other, it will raise the profile even more of his breakfast show on Radio 1."
Nick Grimshaw in talks to join The X Factor
