Sharon Osbourne demands Xtra cash

Sharon Osbourne has apparently demanded a massive £500,000 pay rise to return for the new series of The X Factor.

The feisty wife of rocker Ozzy wants a £2 million contract to continue as a judge on the ITV talent show, according to The Sun. Sharon was apparently paid £1.5 million for the last series.

An X Factor insider told the newspaper: "We need Sharon and she knows it. She'll return, but is holding out for more cash. The show was all about Sharon and Dannii last year and Sharon's very canny."

The other judges - Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue - have all apparently signed up for the new series.

Last year there was ongoing animosity between Sharon and Dannii and Sharon, 55, stormed off the live show after rowing with the Australian popstar.

She said later: "Dannii knows she's there because of her looks, not her contribution to the music industry."

Sharon, Dannii and Louis all reportedly asked for a pay rise when a new Sunday night results show was added to this year's schedule.

Louis is reportedly on £800,000, Dannii on £500,000 and Simon has a £20 million contract with ITV.

An X Factor spokesman said: "We never discuss contracts. As far as we are concerned all four judges are returning."