Sara Cox Reflects On 'X Factor' Judging Role Talks: 'I Don't Think They'd Ask Me Now'

She lost out to Mel B on a place on the panel in 2014.

Sara Cox has opened up about her failed bid to become an 'X Factor' judge.

The BBC Radio 2 DJ was in talks to join the ITV talent show in 2014, but eventually lost out to Spice Girl Mel B, who went on to serve as a judge for one series. 

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Sara Cox was linked to 'The X Factor' in 2014
Karwai Tang via Getty Images

Asked if she would still fancy joining the show and following in fellow radio DJ Nick Grimshaw's footsteps, Sara told HuffPost UK: "I think that boat has sailed a bit because I was up for it the same time as Mel B and that was a couple of series ago now.

"Also being friends with Grimmy, I feel like I have almost half done it because I heard lots from him, I watched him, and I was really proud of him."

She continued: "I feel like I've done a lot of judging from my sofa, so that's fine.

"I don't think they'd ask me now, but it was definitely exciting to be in the running," she added. 

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Sara is close friends with former 'X Factor' judge Nick Grimshaw
Michael Leckie via Getty Images

Grimmy has already announced his departure from 'The X Factor', after just one series as a judge, with Louis Walsh rumoured to be returning to his old seat.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's future on the show has been cast into doubt, with the news she is holding "crunch talks" with Simon Cowell, amid reports original judge Sharon Osbourne could make another comeback.

The shake-up for the 13th series of 'X Factor' has already seen Dermot O'Leary return to his role as host, replacing Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who presented in 2015.

'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)

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