Geri Halliwell joins judges for first X Factor audition

Geri Halliwell revealed her status as an X Factor judge through a loud hailer on the roof of a car in front of thousands of fans in Liverpool today.

The former Spice Girl was standing in as a guest judge for the first round of auditions at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Dressed in an electric blue lace minidress with a daring cutaway back and high-heeled ankle boots, Halliwell chatted and joked with fans on the red carpet.

As ever the fashion stakes were high with her fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos arriving in a short floral dress and red stilettos.

Arriving at the Echo Arena, she stood with her arms in an "X" pose, showing off her forearm tattoo, bearing the words "the female boss".

Halliwell was a guest at the auditions today, but she is seen as a possible replacement for US star Kelly Rowland, who announced her departure from the hit ITV series in April.

Although her former Spice bandmate Mel B is lined up for another audition, she is reported to be the favourite to land the position. Dannii Minogue had been in talks to reprise her role on the judging panel but talks ended last week.

The judges were facing the hopefuls for the first time as they scoured the country for acts to take part in the next series of the talent show.

This year sees a change in the rules allowing performers to take part who already have management deals.

Halliwell said today she was "incredibly excited and proud" to join the X Factor in Liverpool.

She said: "I hope to share all my experience and the ups and the downs of how to make it globally in the music industry with the contestants and I'm really looking forward to having a blast with Gary, Tulisa and the lovely Louis."