Sharon Osbourne demands $1m extra to judge TV talent contest

Fiery Sharon Osbourne is demanding a $1m pay rise to return as a judge to British TV talent contest X Factor.

The 55-year-old redhead -- wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne -- is said to be demanding a $4m contract to return to the high-rated show.

Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue have all signed up for the new series. But Osbourne -- who currently receives $3m for starring on the show -- is still wrangling over contracts less than a month before filming is due to start.

An X Factor insider told British newspaper The Sun, "We need Sharon – and she knows it. She will return, but she’s holding out for more cash.

"Let’s face it, the show was all about Sharon and Dannii last year.

"They provided all the controversy and Sharon’s very canny. She’s not at war with Cowell, she’s just holding out for more money."

Louis has a $1.6m deal with the show; Dannii -- the sister of Kylie Minogue -- is on $1m; and Simon  -- who also judges American Idol in the US -- works under a $40million exclusive contract with the show's network, ITV.

An X Factor spokeswoman said: "We never discuss contracts. As far as we are concerned all four judges are returning."