Former X Factor winner, Leona Lewis, has remarked that she would love to return to the show that made her famous, but not as a contestant.

Leona told The Sun: “I still love the X Factor. I Sky Plus 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, I swear.”

Leona also told the newspaper that while she was grateful to the show for catapulting her into the spotlight, it wasn’t the only factor that contributed to her success.

She says: “I think it’s important for people to know I worked so hard before the show.

“The X Factor didn’t make me. It helped me a lot. I’m grateful I got the opportunity and for all their support but before that I’d done a lot of work demoing and playing smoky pubs and clubs.

“A lot of people give you flak for going on a talent show but I’d worked the circuit and worked so hard for years. Since I was so small it’s always been my dream to sing.”