Will Smith set to reclaim limelight on US X-Factor

After a couple of years out of the limelight, during which time his children Willow and Jaden have become stars, Will Smith looks set for a comeback - as a judge on the US version of the X-Factor.
 
According to the Mirror,  Simon Cowell has persuaded the actor, who first came to prominence as rapper Fresh Prince in the 1980s, to join him and Cheryl Cole on the judging panel when it launches in the US later this year.
 
The move would be something of a coup for Cowell, who is said to be desperate to turn the US version of the talent search into the biggest TV show in the world. His aim is to eclipse rival show American Idol, which is produced by his old rival Simon Fuller, the man who launched the career of the Spice Girls. American Idol begins its 10th season later this month with a new-look judging panel of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
 
The timing suits Smith as well as Cowell. The actor has not had a starring role since 2008, when he appeared in Seven Pounds, and in that time his children have stolen much of his limelight. His son Jaden has starred in the Karate Kid, and his daughter Willow enjoyed a worldwide hit with her debut single, Whip My Hair, last year.
 
However, Smith is reprising his role as Agent Jay in the third Men in Black film, which is currently filming and is due for release in 2012. The X-Factor job will give his profile a handy boost before the film comes out.
 
Another musician appearing in the new Men In Black film is Nicole Scherzinger, of the Pussycat Dolls, who is being tipped to replace Cole as a judge on the UK version of the show.
 
The fourth and final judge's berth in America is still up for grabs with Mariah Carey being tipped as Cowell's preferred choice. ·