Rihanna has rejected an offer to be a judge on ‘The X Factor’.
The singer was Simon Cowell’s first choice to join Cheryl Cole on this year’s panel, but it is said bosses have realised they won’t be able to get her to agree to a deal.
An insider told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "Rihanna was Simon’s ultimate choice and was right at the top of ITV’s hitlist.
"Having her on the panel next to Cheryl and Simon would have been a ratings-winning dream but everyone has accepted it’s not going to happen now."
Meanwhile, Simon has insisted a final decision on the judging panel won’t be made until Louis Walsh’s future is clear.
The media mogul is fighting for his friend, but admitted ITV bosses and returning coach Cheryl weren’t keen on having him on board.
Speaking at the London cabaret Club’s launch, he said: "We are waiting to see if Louis is back before deciding the fourth spot. ITV and Cheryl don’t want him to come back but he will be if I get my way.
"We’ve seen a few people for the job but I think ITV are slowly coming round to my way of thinking.
"Louis is very underrated. People are finally realising how good he is."
Rihanna rejects X Factor role?
