X Factor's Geri merry to be in spotlight again...

Byline: KAT'S WHISPERS

AFTER being mercifully quiet on the recording front for the past few years, Geri Halliwell has made an unwelcome return to the spotlight after being unveiled as the newest X Factor judge.

The vocally-challenged star certainly made an entrance at the first round of auditions in Liverpool.

Putting her dignity aside, the 39-year-old displayed the enthusiasm of a teenager by climbing on top of a car and bellowing at passers-by through a loud megaphone.

Never one to shy away from publicity, Geri will feel like all her Christmasses have come at once if the X Factor gig is made permanent.

She'll get to parade around in a succession of spangly dresses every Saturday night without singing a note.

They'll be no sharing a stage with her four ex-bandmates, all of whom have gone on to more lucrative and respected careers.

But before Geri gets carried away with believing she'll be the nation's sweetheart once more, fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos is a force to be reckoned with.

She may be 16 years younger than her Spice Girls contemporary, but the similarities are striking.

Both are bold, brassy and love the sound of their own voices.

Never mind what goes on with the contestants, it the judges who will be the ones to watch this year.

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THE SHOW-OFF MUST GO ON: Geri at the X Factor auditions.