Stacey Solomon has got her eye on a new job as a judge on The X Factor .
Robbie Williams and Ayda Field’s shock departure from the judging panel has left two vacancies – and she plans to throw her hat in the ring.
“I’d love it!” says pregnant Stacey, 29, who shot to fame when she came third on the show in 2009.
“That would be the ultimate dream job. I loved doing it and love being a part of it, so to be able to mentor and go through that experience again, but with somebody else, would be incredible.”
Loose Woman host Stacey is still involved in the show, interviewing families and friends behind the scenes in the finals.
Meanwhile, she is due to have her third baby – her first with boyfriend Joe Swash, 37 – in the summer.
Stacey is not following the trend of insisting on a natural birth without painkillers, said to be favoured by Meghan Markle .
“I think there is a pressure on mums to have a natural delivery, or have pain relief or not have pain relief, but I don’t feel that pressure at all,” she says.
“You’re about to push a human out your vagina – do what it takes!”
The new arrival will be a half-brother or half sister to her sons Zach, 11, and Leighton, seven, and Joe’s son Harry, 11.
“I would say I’m apprehensive to say the least!” laughs Stacey.
“I remember labour. I’m not one of those people who managed to forget it or block it out.
“If I’m completely honest, I’ll take painkillers if I need them.
“I didn’t have any with Leighton, because it was too quick.”
Stacey had a speedy two-and-a-half-hour labour with her second child.
During a horrific 72-hour labour with Zach she inhaled a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask.
“It almost makes your head a bit fuzzy but the pain is still there and you’re less able to do anything about it,” she says.
“I’ll maybe give gas and air a go but I’m such a control freak I’m super-scared of anything that makes me feel out of control.”
Once Baby Solomon-Swash is here, Stacey has made no secret of her desire to return to work this year.
But even if Simon Cowell doesn’t make her judging dreams come true, she knows who she’d like to see sitting with him on the panel.
“I would just love The X Factor to bring back the old judges, Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne, Cheryl Cole – even Louis Walsh!” sighs Stacey.
“I really missed Louis last year. I’d love to see that lot back on. I think we could go back to the old school, even go back to the little audition room!
“But I’m always up for being involved. Without the X Factor I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today. There’s just no way I would have had the opportunities I’ve had, so I love the show.”
