Beckham tipped to replace Abdul on 'Idol'

Rex Features

Victoria Beckham is tipped to be a permanent judge on American Idol in a £3 million deal.

The former Spice Girl is expected to replace Paula Abdul as long as Fox executives feel that she has a rapport with the public, reports the News of the World.

An industry insider told the newspaper: "American Idol is the highest rated show and they don't want to pick a judge viewers don't take to.

"Focus groups are going to be set up to judge Victoria's performance.

"There's some concern about whether viewers will think she's too skinny. They're also worried about her accent. She's started to talk in a very posh voice and some people might struggle with that."

American artists Katy Perry and Mary J. Blige are also being auditioned, but a source commented that Victoria remains "the clear favourite" because her manager is the show’s creator Simon Fuller.

The source continued: "She was a revelation at the second audition and is now top of the list to permanently replace Paula.

"She'd be crazy to turn it down. This job will set her up as a real star in the States."