Jennifer Love Hewitt to be X Factor USA judge?

Jennifer Love-Hewitt is in the running to be a judge on 'X Factor' USA.

The 34-year-old actress - who hit the charts in 2002 with her single 'BareNaked' - is rumoured to be joining Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato on the third season of the pop star search show as a replacement for the departed L.A. Reid and Britney Spears.

Speaking to Us Weekly magazine, a source said: 'Simon is very interested [in Jennifer].'

Cowell, 53, has two positions up for grabs on the judging panel and is believed to be chatting to several celebrities about the roles, although Hewitt is believed to be one of the favourites along with Kelly Rowland - who judged one series of the UK version of 'The X Factor'.

A source said previously: 'Simon has always remained a fan of Kelly's and she's most definitely in the mix to join the judging panel on 'X Factor' USA.'

A representative for 'The X Factor' USA has described the rumours as 'pure speculation' though none have yet been denied.

Hewitt has released four albums in her career but turned her back on music in 2004. However, this year she recorded a cover of 'I'm a Woman' to promote the second season of her TV show 'The Client List'.

Mario Lopez will be returning to the screens as a presenter on 'The X Factor', but Khloe Kardashian has not had her contract renewed.

Producers said in a statement: 'Khloe Kardashian will not be returning to co-host 'The X Factor'. We really enjoyed working with her and wish her all the best in the future.'