'The X Factor' reportedly in talks with Stacy Keibler for co-host role

The X Factor is reportedly considering Stacy Keibler to be the show's new female co-host for its upcoming second season.


"Stacy Keibler is in talks to join the show, but her lack of experience in the music business may make her more appropriate as a host. She looks fantastic and has bags of charisma," a source told the New York Post of the former WWE wrestler and Dancing with the Stars participant.

While Steve Jones ended up hosting The X Factor's first season solo after the show decided to have original co-host Nicole Scherzinger replace Cheryl Cole on its judging panel, show creator and lead judge Simon Cowell has previously stated the second season will feature an entirely new male and female hosting team.

In addition, Cowell recently said he likes the idea of having hosts who have little prior hosting experience -- a qualification that would seem to favor Keibler, who launched an acting career after she competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2006 but is currently best known as the new girlfriend of Hollywood superstar George Clooney.  

"I always wanted a boy and a girl to host the show. And I like hosts who don't kind of have a hosting background. I like them when they've done acting and stuff like that. It's a different kind of dynamic," Cowell said during an appearance on GoodDay New York last week.


During his interview with GoodDay New York, Cowell also declined comments on recent reports that The X Factor is in negotiations with pop singer Britney Spears and offered her a $10-million contract to be a judge.

"You'll have to wait and see. I can't confirm or deny anything right now. The truth is, we are talking to a number of people, but it changes on a daily basis to be honest with you," explained Cowell, who has two spots to fill on The X Factor's judging panel since Scherzinger and fellow first-season judge Paula Abdul will not be returning for next fall's second season.

"You think you've made your mind up -- last night, two other people threw their names in the hat -- one a very famous singer and one very famous actress. You've got to talk to everybody."

Although Cowell has opted to play coy about whether Spears will join the show, according to another Post source, the singer is still very much in the picture.

"Talks are still ongoing with Britney, and she is asking for a lot more money, than was originally offered. But producers are confident Britney will realize this is a great opportunity for her to reinvent herself and accept their deal," the source said.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski