George Michael has reportedly signed up to appear on this year’s X Factor series.

Insiders claim that after striking up an unlikely friendship with the troubled star, Simon Cowell has convinced him to step in for a one day only stint on the popular ITV show.

It is thought that the music mogul wanted the ‘Careless Whisper’ hitmaker to commit to a full time judging position and offered him £1 million to do so. However after only being released from prison last year, George felt he was unable to be in the public eye for such an extended period of time and accepted a guest judging role instead.

Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell are believed to be leaving the UK version of the TV talent show, so that they can take up roles on the new US series. It is thought that Cowell will follow his format from last year and bring in a host of stars to join regular judges Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue on a short term basis, until they get to the live shows.

A source told The Sun:

“If Simon and Cheryl decide not to take part it will give people something to talk about.”

George has previously appeared on ‘The X Factor’ to sing a duet with 2009 show winner Joe McElderry.

A whole host of celebrity judges – including Katy Perry, Pixie Lott and Nicole Scherzinger – sat in on the panel during auditions for the 2010 series of the show while Dannii was on maternity leave.