MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON SET FOR X FACTOR?

JACKSON SET FOR X FACTOR?

Maligned popstar Michael Jackson could be set for a sensational return to British television on ITV1's X Factor.

Reports claim that the 49-year-old will make a shock appearance as a mentor to some of the talent show's contestants in an episode to be screened in December.

The Sun says that a host of big names will also be making guest appearances that will see X Factor hopefuls receive training from their idols and perform some of their songs.

Celine Dion, Rihanna, former winners Shayne Ward and Leonia Lewis, Westlife and Mariah Carey have all already been confirmed, the tabloid says.

But an insider claims that Jackson would be producers' biggest coup.

"We've got some huge names but Michael Jackson really is a sensational signing," the source said.

"He is a truly global, worldwide superstar."

If the king of pop was to appear on the X Factor it would be his first appearance on UK television screens since controversially being interviewed by Martin Bashir for ITV1's Living With Michael Jackson in 2003, which led to his acquittal at a child molestation trial two years later.

"Given his background with ITV, it's even more astonishing that he agreed to do it," the Sun's insider added.

Kylie Minogue, whose younger sister Dannii is a judge on the show alongside Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, is also being lined up for an X Factor guest slot next month.