Leona LewisShe's already making a guest appearance on next week's X Factor.

But it seems Leona Lewis is keen to make her stint on the show a little more permanent.

Rather her than us, we must say.

What with all the arguments, politics and sheer emotion going down on the show at the mo, the X Factor panel is probably the last place on earth we'd wanna be.

But the programme's former winner has staked her claim to the judging arena, telling The Sun:

"I still love The X Factor. I Sky+ every episode.

"Maybe I could go back on it as a judge. Not yet, but in a few years. But I think I'd be a bit lenient - I'd be crying every few seconds."

Well, you wouldn't be the only one, Leona.

This year's comp has been so highly charged it's drawn tears from nearly all the finalists, plus Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue - hell, even Louis Walsh welled up at one point.

In fact the only one who hasn't eeked out a few salty ones yet is Simon Cowell - but, seriously, we reckon the viewing stats for the show would have to dip really low before he tries that card.

So Leona, knock yourself out is what we say - just make sure you have your Kleenex ready.

Plus some protective armour to ward off all the nasty judge in-fighting.