Leona Lewis: I want to be an X Factor mentor on next series

The Bleeding Love singer, who won the competition in 2006, told UK magazine Reveal: 'I always go on the show and sing, but I want to ask Simon Cowell for a bigger role.

'I couldn't be a judge this year as I've been busy working on my new album. I already know I'm going to be performing on the show this year, but I would like to do something different – maybe a mentor instead.'

She added: 'I've been through the whole process, so I think that I'd be able to give the new acts some good advice.'

The 26-year-old star, who broke up with her long-term boyfriend Lou al-Chamaa last year, is currently working on her third album, which she said will have a “darker tone” compared to her previous records.

She said: 'I wanted to put my heart into my lyrics, so most of my new album has a darker tone to it. It's not just about my ex, or any one person, it's a mix of emotions.

'But it's not just all sad. I'm in a really happy place right now, so there are some upbeat tracks too.'