Even though we’re only halfway through the current series of the X Factor, Simon Cowell is thinking ahead.

The music mogul is determined to spice up the next series of the reality show and believes pop star Rita Ora is the lady for the job.

There have been reports of late suggesting Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh won’t return next year so there may be more than one spot to fill at rhe judges table.

Rita, who is dating DJ Calvin Harris, is currently living it up in LA. She has dined with Gwyneth Paltrow and partied with Kelly Osbourne, and now the Radioactive singer is getting down to business with showbiz heavyweight Cowell.

Expectant father Simon was desperate to sign her up to the X Factor judging panel last year after her guest judge appearance proved a success.

Simon wants Rita to be an X Factor judge

He even arranged a luxury £6.5million private jet so she could make it down for the London shows while she was supporting Coldplay in Coventry.

However, 22-year old Rita snubbed Simon’s offer to join the panel full-time, wanting instead to focus on her debut album.

She said at the time: “There were talks. But if I were to take on that role it would have to be at a point when I could give it my full attention.

“I have so much to accomplish first and it’s kind of a full-time job being on X Factor. It’s not like a nine to five. It’s constant, for months.

“I love it but if I was to take on a full-time role it would be at a point when I’m loads of albums in.”

A spokesman for Simon told The Mirror: “Rita was not there for dinner on Wednesday night. She was there for a meeting and there were business colleagues with her.”