In a bid to boost the flagging viewing ratings for the show, which made its debut stateside last year, Cowell has let go the existing judging panel of Paula Abdul, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, and plans to supplant them with a heavy-hitting star that will enable the show to compete with rival show American Idol.

It’s a rumour that will have the fashion world sitting up and taking notice. Newly appointed judge for American Idol Jennifer Lopez has already been pulling out all the fashion stops in a series of diva-appropriate outfits for her appearances with the show. Fur-trimmed Ferretti, studded Jimmy Choos and diamond encrusted hoop earrings are all part of the Lopez lexicon of style that we can look forward to once Idol kicks off over the coming weeks.

So one can only imagine the kind of style stunts that Queen B would pull if given a shot at the rival role. Many a young designer’s career has been made on the X Factor stage – ELLE cover girl Cheryl Cole made David Koma a household name when she wore his dress on the show – and as someone who takes an astute interest in emerging fashion talents (couturier Alexandre Vauthier found himself cast into the spotlight when she wore his gold mini dress to headline Glastonbury last summer) Beyonce has the capacity to bring a dose of first class fashion to the masses.

Currently the only other contender rumoured to be vying for the lucrative role is Mariah Carey; it’s a veritable clash of the diva titans that should be very interesting to watch unfold.